Design and fabrication of conductive polyaniline transducers via computer controlled direct ink writing

F. Benjamin Holness; Aaron D. Price

doi:10.1117/12.2260362

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17 April 2017 Design and fabrication of conductive polyaniline transducers via computer controlled direct ink writing

F. Benjamin Holness, Aaron D. Price

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Proceedings Volume 10163, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2017; 101632O (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2260362
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2017, Portland, Oregon, United States

Abstract

The intractable nature of the conjugated polymer (CP) polyaniline (PANI) has largely limited PANI-based transducers to monolithic geometries derived from thin-film deposition techniques. To address this limitation, we have previously reported additive manufacturing processes for the direct ink writing of three-dimensional electroactive PANI structures. This technology incorporates a modified delta robot having an integrated polymer paste extrusion system in conjunction with a counter-ion induced thermal doping process to achieve these 3D structures. In this study, we employ an improved embodiment of this methodology for the fabrication of functional PANI devices with increasingly complex geometries and enhanced electroactive functionality. Advances in manufacturing capabilities achieved through the integration of a precision pneumatic fluid dispenser and redesigned high-pressure end-effector enable extrusion of viscous polymer formulations, improving the realizable resolutions of features and deposition layers. The integration of a multi-material dual-extrusion end-effector has further aided the fabrication of these devices, enabling the concurrent assembly of passive and active structures, which reduces the limitations on device geometry. Subsequent characterization of these devices elucidates the relationships between polymer formulation, process parameters, and device design such that electromechanical properties can be tuned according to application requirements. This methodology ultimately leads to the improved manufacturing of electroactive polymer-enabled devices with high-resolution 3D features and enhanced electroactive performance.

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F. Benjamin Holness and Aaron D. Price "Design and fabrication of conductive polyaniline transducers via computer controlled direct ink writing", Proc. SPIE 10163, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2017, 101632O (17 April 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2260362

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