Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) in the running scenarios is highly recommendable mode of production of electronics applications within industries; Direct ink writing (DIW) is one of most applications procedures of AM to print the solvent-based ink to complex geometry in 3D printing. The main objective of this research to develop a Carbon-formed conductive ink which is more biodegradable, conductive, electrically conducting, ideal rheological, structural and thermal behavior to develop an ink that can be extruded with precision and behaves post-print stability. In this research, multi-walled CNTs are the conductive filler and corn-starch and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are the biodegradable binders that increase dispersion, flexibility and mechanical strength. To enhance ink homogeneity and ink flow, ethylene glycol and Triton X-100 are added. Taguchi method is used to determine the best compositional ratios in terms of wt %, to maintain balanced rheological viscosity. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Electrochemical Workstation Metrohm characterisations are used to determine the relationship between microstructural uniformity and thermal stability and print performance. The optimized ink has consistently high rheological stability (86.9 Pa·s), which allows easy DIW printing of homogeneous and adherent layers. Based on Taguchi suggested composition of conductive ink 3D printing is done where different critical geometry has printed successfully. This research developed a plausible path toward ecofriendly carbon-formed conductive ink, which will aid in the making of 3D printing solutions permitting more friendly and dependable use in preparing flexible sensors and other electronics applications.
Keywords: Additive Manufacturing, Conductive Ink, Corn-Starch, Direct Ink Writing, Sustainable Ink.