Conductive, Transparent, Compliant 3D-printable Inks
- Detailed Technology Description
- The first 3D printable, compliant, conductive inks were developed, made of elastomers which are ionically conductive, transparent, and stretchable.
- Others
-
H. Zhao and S. Robinson, Innovative Manufacturing for Soft Actuators: Rotational Molding and 3D Printing, Cornell New Business and Emerging Technology Showcase 2014 poster
PCT Application WO2015100155
- *Abstract
-
The new photo-curable and organic inks were formulated for 3D printing compliant electrodes with low sheet resistance, high toughness and extensibility, and tunable elastic moduli. These unique hydrogel materials can be used in the assembly of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), which have until now been limited to two-dimensional, manually assembled systems. By fabricating 3D printing inks we enable the production of sophisticated and useful DEA geometries previously unattainable.
Potential Applications
Use in conjunction with dielectric elastomers for:
- Flexible sensors
- Robotics
- Low cost energy harvesting, e.g. by incorporating in smart-sidewalks, brake pads, garments, shoes
- Biomedical devices, such as prosthetics or artificial muscles to assist the disabled and elderly with independent mobility
- Haptic devices, Braille displays
- Smart textiles
Advantages
- 3D printability
- Transparency
- Stretchability
- *Licensing
- Carolyn A. Theodorecat42@cornell.edu (607) 254 4514
- Country/Region
- USA
