Ecofriendly Polymer–Graphene‐Based Conductive Ink for Multifunctional Printed Electronics

Abstract

The ongoing research on printed and flexible electronics is primarily focused on conductive three‐dimensional (3D) print patterning. However, due to the nonhomogeneous distribution of conductive elements in a polymer matrix and their tendency to shrink, 3D‐printed patterns often suffer from low‐printing accuracies and poor mechanical and electrical properties. Herein, poly(vinyl butyral‐co‐vinyl alcohol‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PVBVA) is reinforced with microwave‐exfoliated graphene to develop a conductive ink for 3D printing. Compared with the pure PVBVA patterns, the PVBVA/graphene patterns exhibit a high‐electrical conductivity, a twofold enhancement in tensile strength, an improved printing accuracy, and a high stability because of the graphene addition. The PVBVA/graphene inks flow well during the printing; loading of up to 0.1 wt% graphene in the PVBVA gel results in notable changes in the rheological properties of the ink. The printed conductive patterns show a high flexibility suitable for wearable electronics. Additionally, multifunctional electronic operations such as photoinduced heating, temperature sensing, and motion sensing are possible. This study may pave the way for the development of a new class of smart wearable electronics for healthcare and soft robotics.

Light-Responsive and Antibacterial Graphenic Materials as a Holistic Approach to Tissue Engineering

“…Even though sodium alginate-based hydrogel is a commonly utilized material for cell cultures, the inherent lack of cellular interaction properties in this polysaccharide often leads to its combination with other materials, such as gelatin or cellulose . Different works report on using graphene-based materials and alginate to prepare bioinks for wound dressing, − proving the enhanced printability and mechanical properties of the final scaffolds, however, without including cells into the ink formulation.…”

Conductive graphene-based coagulated composites for electronic printing applications

“…The R 2 value of all the curves was 1.0000, indicating the precision of fitting. At the nanoscale, intrinsic parameters such as the net mean free path for electron transport [71]; intra-and intermolecular forces between GP/GI, solvent and SPI [72,73]; the temperature and pressure changes therein [74] (for example, the temperature of the dispersion decreases when acetone is added because of the latter's high vapour pressure and its ongoing evaporation due to volatility [75]); and the rheology [76,77] govern the capability of the material to facilitate the transport of electrons (or holes as well, in the case of semiconductors). The interplay among these factors may not yield a net linear change in the electrical properties in relation to the increase in mass/number of moles.…”

Thermally Conductive and Electrically Insulating Polymer-Based Composites Heat Sinks Fabricated by Fusion Deposition Modeling

“…The need for materials combining the above-mentioned properties, such as thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties along with adequate processability and lightweight characteristics, has led to the study of composite materials having polymeric matrices. The fillers explored can be grouped into three categories: carbon-based materials [19,20], metals [21], and ceramics [22]. To maintain high electrical insulating properties, ceramic fillers must be used.…”