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Multicomposition 3D Printing Using Tunable Ecoflex/Nanosilica Inks for Stretchable Electronics
Jie Zhang1, Qingzhen Zhao2, Jianke Du1
1Zhejiang-Italy Joint Lab for Smart Materials and Advanced Structures, School of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China.
ACS Omega
|October 6, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed novel Ecoflex/nanosilica composite (ESC) inks for advanced 3D printing. These inks enable precise multicomposition printing of complex soft matter structures and stretchable electronics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Additive manufacturing allows 3D printing of soft matter.
- Multicomposition 3D printing is a hotspot, but faces challenges with material selection, precise transitions, and printing accuracy for low-viscosity materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel ink formulations for multicomposition 3D printing.
- To address challenges in printing accuracy and material transitions for soft matter.
Main Methods:
- Modified Ecoflex with nanosilica particles to create Ecoflex/nanosilica composite (ESC) inks.
- Evaluated rheological and mechanical properties of ESC inks.
- Optimized nanosilica content and 3D printing parameters for complex structures.
Main Results:
- Developed optimized ESC ink formulations.
- Achieved high printing accuracy for complex 3D structures like ear-like shapes.
- Successfully printed stretchable electronic substrates with strain-isolating properties.
Conclusions:
- The developed ESC inks provide robust support for multicomposition 3D printing.
- This advancement facilitates integrated printing of soft matter and stretchable electronics.
