Smart structures with embedded flexible sensors fabricated by fused deposition modeling-based multimaterial 3D printing

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

33 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

  • Huilin Ren
  • Zhenhu Wang
  • Xuguang Xu
  • Rong Wang
  • Qi Ge
  • Yi Xiong

Related Research Unit(s)

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)447-464
Journal / PublicationInternational Journal of Smart and Nano Materials
Volume13
Issue number3
Online published8 Jul 2022
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Link(s)

Abstract

Smart structures have the advantages of high system integrity and diverse sensing capabilities. However, the labor-intensive and time-consuming fabrication process hinders the large-scale adoption of smart structures. Despite recent attempts to develop sensor-embedded structures using 3D printing technologies, the reported smart structures generally suffer from the complex fabrication process, constrained part size, and limited sensing modality. Herein, we propose a workflow to design and fabricate novel smart structures via multimaterial fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based 3D printing. More specifically, conductive filaments with tailorable mechanical and electrical properties, e.g. piezoresistive effects, were developed. Additionally, the printing process was optimized for processing soft filaments with Young’s modulus around 2 MPa, resolving the issue of filament buckling. Furthermore, the potential applications of the proposed workflow were showcased using three design cases, i.e. biaxial strain sensor, smart tire, and cable-driven soft finger with multiple sensing capabilities. This workflow provides a cost-effective and rapid solution for developing novel smart structures with soft materials.

Research Area(s)

  • conductive polymer composites, flexible strain sensor, multimaterial additive manufacturing, Smart structures, soft materials

Citation Format(s)

Smart structures with embedded flexible sensors fabricated by fused deposition modeling-based multimaterial 3D printing. / Ren, Huilin; Yang, Xiaodan; Wang, Zhenhu et al.
In: International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials, Vol. 13, No. 3, 2022, p. 447-464.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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