Purdue University researchers have developed a new method of using 3D printing technology to create piezoelectric components. Piezoelectric materials are capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa, which can be widely used in many fields. The results of their research have been published in the journal Additive Manufacturing.
The researchers used a process they called ‘Electric Polling assisted Additive Manufacturing’ (EPAM) combining the extrusion of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with corona discharge (the partial breakdown of air at atmospheric pressure initiated by a discharge in a non-uniform electric field). The main advantages of this method are the elimination of the need for an additional process step and the extension of design freedom, enabling the creation of piezoelectric components with more diverse shapes. During the 3D printing process, the filament is elongated and electrically changed. At the same time, a transformation takes place in it, which makes it possible to generate piezoelectric activity five times higher than in the case of other methods.
Researchers used Arkema Fluor X Kynar PVDF filament on a MakerBot Replicator 2 desktop 3D printer. In the next test, they combined it with direct ink writing (DIW) to create a simple circuit.
The main goal of the research is to develop a low-cost process for creating strain gauges of various shapes. The work was led by Robert Nawrocki, an assistant professor at the School of Engineering Technology at Purdue University.
The published research results indicate the potential applications of piezoelectric sensors created on a 3D printer in the development of the Internet of Things, wearable electronics and soft robotics. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to create individual wearable devices and soft robots equipped with printed sensors. Although 3DXtech filament is expensive ($190 for 750 g), the 3D printing process can be carried out on relatively cheap desktop 3D printers like the MakerBot Replicator 2 (2013 model) at temperatures as low as 200°C. Thanks to this, the method becomes relatively low-cost.
The new technology can contribute to the realization of the vision of widespread use of the Internet of Things and wearable electronics. Thanks to the use of piezoelectric sensors printed in 3D, the devices can monitor and respond to various parameters, such as temperature, pressure and humidity. These capabilities could be particularly relevant to soft robotics, which can use these sensors to gain a better understanding of its environment and perform more precise movements.
However, further research into optimizing the 3D printing process and increasing the quality of piezoelectric components is needed to reach the full potential applications of these technologies. In the future – if the quality of the obtained parts turns out to be satisfactory, it may lead to the creation of increasingly advanced and flexible solutions based on 3D printed sensors.
Source: www.sciencedirect.com via www.3dprint.com