Extrusion printing of flexible electrically conducting carbon nanotube networks

Authors

Geoffrey C. Pidcock, University of Wollongong
Marc in het Panhuis, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

72500

Publication Details

Pidcock, G. C. & in het Panhuis, M. (2012). Extrusion printing of flexible electrically conducting carbon nanotube networks. Advanced Functional Materials, 22 (22), 4790-4800.

Abstract

Carbon nanotube networks in biopolymer solutions are explored as potential ink systems for the extrusion printing of conducting structures. The biopolymer gellan gum is found to act as an excellent dispersant of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and has the appropriate fl ow properties to act as a thickener for the controlled dispensing of carbon nanotube networks. Absorbing substrates are found to improve the resolution and the fl exibility of the printed structures. These printed conducting carbon nanotube networks exhibit interesting mechanical and electrical characteristics, which are applied to demonstrate their actuating and strain gauging capabilities.