3D printing interface-modified PDMS/MXene nanocomposites for stretchable conductors

Date

2022

Authors

Aakyiir, M.
Tanner, B.
Yap, P.L.
Rastin, H.
Tung, T.T.
Losic, D.
Meng, Q.
Ma, J.

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Journal article

Citation

Journal of Materials Science and Technology, 2022; 117:174-182

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Mathias Aakyiir, Brayden Tanner, PeiLay Yap, Hadi Rastin, TranThanh Tung, Dusan Losic, Qingshi Meng, Jun Ma

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Abstract

Additive manufacturing has rapidly evolved over recent years with the advent of polymer inks and those inks containing novel nanomaterials. The compatibility of polymer inks with nanomaterial inks remains a great challenge. Simple yet effective methods for interface improvement are highly sought-after to significantly enhance the functional and mechanical properties of printed polymer nanocomposites. In this study, we developed and modified a Ti<inf>3</inf>C<inf>2</inf> MXene ink with a siloxane surfactant to provide compatibility with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. The rheology of all the inks was investigated with parameters such as complex modulus and viscosity, confirming a self-supporting ink behaviour, whilst Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy exposed the inks’ reaction mechanisms. The modified MXene nanosheets have displayed strong interactions with PDMS over a wide strain amplitude. An electrical conductivity of 6.14 × 10<sup>−2</sup> S cm<sup>−1</sup> was recorded for a stretchable nanocomposite conductor containing the modified MXene ink. The nanocomposite revealed a nearly linear stress-strain relationship and a maximum stress of 0.25 MPa. Within 5% strain, the relative resistance change remained below 35% for up to 100 cycles, suggesting high flexibility, conductivity and mechanical resilience. This study creates a pathway for 3D printing conductive polymer/nanomaterial inks for multifunctional applications such as stretchable electronics and sensors.

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Available online 17 February 2022

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© 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

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