Design of 3D Printing Thermo-Sensored Medical Gear in Detecting COVID-19 Symptoms

Abstract

Shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to provide protective equipment to the medical facilities whose supplies were threatened to be depleted. Just like many countries in Europe, Montenegro responded to the need for medical equipment by using the advantages of 3D printers while establishing a state network of production hubs, ensuring closed connectivity, communication, and the mutual fulfilment of personal protective equipment (PPE) demands whenever and wherever required. With the second wave of the pandemic, Montenegro rose to second place in the world with the number of coronavirus cases, which also led to an increasing number of infected medical staff. Since fever is a frequent symptom of SA+RS-CoV2 infection, a type of innovative 3D-printed thermo-sensored medical gear has been designed and tested in hospital conditions. This medical gear shaped like a bracelet, which changes color in the presence of high human body temperatures, proves to be efficient and easy to use for medical staff as well as patients.

Preparation of thermochromic bioplastic composite filaments for 3D printing process

“…So, it can be concluded that both thermochromic bioplastic composite filaments, in both red and yellow colors, clearly exhibit a color change in response to temperature variations at 22 and 65°C, respectively. Importantly, these thermochromic properties remained consistent even after mixing with PLA and undergoing the hot extrusion and 3D printing process 33,37,38 …”

“…Importantly, these thermochromic properties remained consistent even after mixing with PLA and undergoing the hot extrusion and 3D printing process. 33,37,38 To investigate the influence of various thermochromic masterbatch ratios within a PLA matrix, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the mechanical properties of thermochromic bioplastic composite filaments. The stress-strain curves for the red and yellow thermochromic bioplastic composite filaments are visually represented in Figure 10A,B, respectively.…”

“…This bracelet-shaped medical device exhibits a color change in response to elevated human body temperatures, demonstrating both effectiveness and ease of use for medical staff and patients alike. 33 Consequently, our research focuses on developing PLA composites endowed with unique thermochromic properties, causing them to change color based on temperature variations. In this research, we used commercially thermochromic powder as an additive into a PLA matrix to create a thermochromic composite filament for 3D printing.…”

“…Djukanović et al introduced an innovative approach involving 3D‐printed medical gear equipped with thermal sensors. This bracelet‐shaped medical device exhibits a color change in response to elevated human body temperatures, demonstrating both effectiveness and ease of use for medical staff and patients alike 33 …”

Driving Sustainability: Carbon Footprint, 3D Printing, and Legislation concerning Electric and Autonomous Vehicles

“…Moreover, due to advances in 3D printer technology, the market for 3D printing has recently experienced some of the manufacturing sector's fastest growth. Especially after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 3D printing of protective equipment (e.g., face shields, masks, and bracelets) was essential for the whole world, and both freelancers and academics did their best to design such equipment [46,47].…”