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.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Journal of Materials Science and Technology, 2022; 117:174-182
Statement of Responsibility
Mathias Aakyiir, Brayden Tanner, PeiLay Yap, Hadi Rastin, TranThanh Tung, Dusan Losic, Qingshi Meng, Jun Ma
Conference Name
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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Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
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.