Abstract
This work consists of the development of an easy strategy to transform any structure into an efficient surface heater by the application of a low voltage over 3D printed nanocomposite circuits. To this end, the electrical conductivity and self-heating capabilities of UV-Assisted Direct Write 3D printed circuits doped with carbon nanotubes were widely explored as a function of the number of printed layers. Moreover, an optimization of the printing process was carried out by comparing the accuracy and printability obtained when printing with two different configurations: extruding and curing the ink in the same stage or curing the extruded ink in a second stage, after the whole layer was deposited. In this regard, the great homogeneity and repeatability of the heating showed by the four-layer printed circuits, together with their excellent performance for long heating times, proved their applicability to convert any structure to a surface heater. Finally, the deicing capability of the four-layer circuit was demonstrated, being able to remove a 2.5 mm thick ice layer in 4 min and 4 s.
Highlights
In recent years, 3D printing is becoming a strong alternative to traditional manufacturing techniques, especially for small production batches or fully customized parts since it reduces the initial cost due to the fact that it does not require tooling [1]
A significantly higher accuracy and a better distribution of the ribbons printed with the 2-stages printing device compared to the 1-stage printing device was observed when increasing the number of printed layers
The circuits printed with the 2-stage printing device showed a substantially higher height and a lower width compared to the circuits printed with the 1-stage printing device
Summary
3D printing is becoming a strong alternative to traditional manufacturing techniques, especially for small production batches or fully customized parts since it reduces the initial cost due to the fact that it does not require tooling [1]. There is still an extensive field of research regarding the development of new 3D printed polymers and nanocomposites with enhanced properties and new functionalities. Direct Write technique, which consists of extruding a viscous paste through a pressurized syringe, layer by layer, until the whole three-dimensional part is completed, is an interesting 3D printing technology commonly used for high viscosity thermoset polymers or nanocomposites [12]. Direct Write technology presents some advantages with regard to other additive manufacturing techniques, as Binder Jetting or Material Jetting, since there is no need for using neither piezoelectric nor thermal printing nozzles, which lowers the costs and maintenance [13]. Some interesting research studies, which use Direct Write technology to develop new and different multifunctional printed materials, are the one of Alexander D. Valentine et al [14] based on hybrid 3D printing of soft electronics, the study of A Asghari Adib et al [15] based on the development of a biomaterial for intracorporeal tissue engineering or the one of Fanli Yang et al [16], who optimized the food printing with lemon juice gel
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