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3D-Printed Conductive Carbon-Infused Thermoplastic Polyurethane
1Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering (MMBME), Center for Printable Materials Certificate (CPMC), The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
Polymers
|May 31, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed 3D printable, flexible, and conductive carbon-infused thermoplastic polyurethane (C/TPU) composites. These materials enable advanced applications like 3D-printed electronics and biomedical sensors due to their enhanced conductivity and biocompatibility.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) combined with conductive fillers offer potential for advanced material applications.
- 3D printing enables complex structures with tailored properties.
- Biocompatibility and electrical conductivity are crucial for emerging technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop 3D printable, flexible, and conductive composites using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and carbon fillers.
- To investigate the impact of different carbon fillers (carbon nanotube, carbon black, graphite) on composite properties.
- To optimize printing parameters for fabricating functional 3D structures.
Main Methods:
- Mechanical blending of biocompatible TPU with various carbon fillers (CNT, CCB, G).
- Filament extrusion and fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing.
- Characterization of mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and printability.
Main Results:
- Conductivity significantly increased in TPU/CNT and TPU/CCB composites above 8-10% filler loading.
- TPU/G composites showed limited conductivity but maintained mechanical integrity.
- Carbon fillers improved mechanical properties and electrical conductivity without compromising biocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- Successfully fabricated flexible and conductive 3D-printed C/TPU structures with tunable properties.
- The developed composites are suitable for applications in 3D-printed electronics, EMI shielding, and biomedical sensors.
- Optimized FDM printing parameters enable the creation of robust and functional soft structures.
