Printing Carbon Nanotube-Embedded Silicone Elastomers via Direct Writing

Direct writing techniques for the printing of colloidal multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were developed herein to fabricate complex structures including woodpiles, tetragonal scaffolds, and gradient mesh structures. The multiwalled CNTs served as a conductive filler and thickening agent for the printing ink. A suitable rheological behavior was obtained by mixing the CNTs with PDMS dissolved in an isopropyl alcohol solvent. A 7 wt % CNT loading in the PDMS was optimum for printing gap-spanning features at a nozzle moving speed of 20 mm/s. The printed structures, including a woodpile and gradient mesh structure, were capable of detecting changes in external mechanical pressure. Printed CNT/PDMS strips exhibit electrical actuation with good mechanical performance (strain of 8.9%) at a low actuation voltage (60 V). The performance characterization and application display demonstrated the possibility of developing custom complex CNT/PDMS structures for a broad range of applications, including soft robots and flexible electronic devices.