Functionalization of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer for Enhanced Electrical Conductivity in Material Extrusion 3D-Printing: Potential Applications in Laboratory Environments and Small-Scale Experiments

Abstract The use of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) as a material for material extrusion 3D-printing is a novel approach in additive manufacturing. Its chemical inertness and high biocompatibility emerges the potential for chemical, biochemical, and life science applications while keeping the flexibility in design and manufacturing of 3D-printing. In this study, as functionalization, an incorporation of deviating weight ratios (28–20 wt%) of carbon black into the polymer matrix through a compounding process is shown. The resulting adjustable specific electrical resistivity (0.6–17 Ωm) of the conducive COC is specified with a high-precision measuring method. The material blends are used for the fabrication of several structures utilizing the electrical conductivity. With a panel of eight different solvents, the solvent and additionally the temperature stability are compared with those of a commercially available clear/conductive polylactic acid material set. In sum, the use of conductive and clear COC in material extrusion 3D-printing may be a future game changer for laboratory environments usage or small-scale experiments where highly specialized (hybrid) structures are needed.