3D Printed Chromophoric Sensors

Abstract

Eight chromophoric indicators are incorporated into Sylgard 184 to develop sensors that are fabricated either by traditional methods such as casting or by more advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing. The sensors exhibit specific color changes when exposed to acidic species, basic species, or elevated temperatures. Additionally, material properties are investigated to assess the chemical structure, Shore A Hardness, and thermal stability. Comparisons between the casted and 3D printed sensors show that the sensing devices fabricated with the advanced manufacturing technique are more efficient because the color changes are more easily detected.

Interplay between Shelf Life and Printability of Silica-Filled Suspensions

“…Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is typically used in the formulation of DIW inks since it exhibits many attractive properties such as low glass transition temperature, high thermal and oxidative stability, high gas permeability, and the ability to act as a blank canvas for functional fillers. For instance, previous studies have used PDMS to formulate DIW inks to print objects able to shield ionizing radiation or to act as environmental sensors [9][10][11]. DIW inks based on PDMS tend to include an active filler in order to exhibit viscoelastic behavior; otherwise, unfilled PDMS acts like a fluid.…”