Electrically Conductive Polymers for Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

The use of electrically conductive polymers (CPs) in the development of electronic devices has attracted significant interest due to their unique intrinsic properties, which result from the synergistic combination of physicochemical properties in conventional polymers with the electronic properties of metals or semiconductors. Most conventional methods adopted for the fabrication of devices with nonplanar morphologies are still challenged by the poor ionic/electronic mobility of end products. Additive manufacturing (AM) brings about exciting prospects to the realm of CPs by enabling greater design freedom, more elaborate structures, quicker prototyping, relatively low cost, and more environmentally friendly electronic device creation. A growing variety of AM technologies are becoming available for three-dimensional (3D) printing of conductive devices, i.e., vat photopolymerization (VP), material extrusion (ME), powder bed fusion (PBF), material jetting (MJ), and lamination object manufacturing (LOM). In this review, we provide an overview of the recent research progress in the area of CPs developed for AM, which advances the design and development of future electronic devices. We consider different AM techniques, vis-a-vis, their development progress and respective challenges in printing CPs. We also discuss the material requirements and notable advances in 3D printing of CPs, as well as their potential electronic applications including wearable electronics, sensors, energy storage and conversion devices, etc. This review concludes with an outlook on AM of CPs.

Synthesis of PEDOT/CNTs Thermoelectric Thin Films with a High Power Factor

“…The choice of these specific fabrication techniques was driven by their unique advantages. The LbL method allowed for precise and controlled layering of CNTs, ensuring a uniform and tailored structure on the substrate [ 40 ]. Simultaneously, electrochemical deposition was employed for PEDOT to leverage its versatility in generating conductive polymer coatings with enhanced electrical properties.…”

Influence of Cutting Regime Parameters on Determining the Main Cutting Resistance during Polypropylene Machining

“…Due to their generally inferior mechanical properties compared to metals, thermoplastics are often preferred for processes requiring more intensive cutting regimes [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. One of the most advantageous properties of thermoplastics is their low thermal conductivity, which allows for intense heating of the surface layer while minimizing effects on the interior [ 23 , 24 ]. While this property is desirable for machining by cutting, it necessitates the implementation of effective surface-layer-cooling methods to prevent disruption of the base material’s chemical structure during cooling and ensure the workpiece reaches an appropriate temperature.…”