High frequency characterization of conductive inks embedded within a structural composite

Abstract

Woven fabric composites provide an attractive platform for integrating electromagnetic functionality-such as conformal load-bearing antennas and frequency selective surfaces-into a structural platform. One practical fabrication method for integrating conductive elements within a woven fabric composite system involves using additive manufacturing systems such as screen printing. While screen printing is an inherently scalable, flexible and cost effective method, little is known about the high frequency electrical properties of its conductive inks when they are embedded within the woven fabric composite. Thus, we have completed numerical and experimental studies to determine the electrical conductivity of screen printable conductive inks that are embedded within this composite. We have also performed mechanical studies to evaluate how printing affects the structural performance of the composite.

The development of a highly stretchable, durable, and printable textile electrode

“…23,24 Viscous composite paste/inks composed of conducting fillers and elastomeric binders have been printed onto textiles. 25,26 Even though printed conductive textiles have demonstrated relatively good stretchability, they have shown poor mechanical durability due to their rough surfaces. Also, printed composite materials suffer from large resistance changes under stretching and cyclic stress because of the deformable and porous structures of the textiles.…”