3D-printed Components Research Articles

Comparative analysis of mold-cast and 3D-printed cement-based components: Implications for standardization in additive construction

Comparative analysis of mold-cast and 3D-printed cement-based components: Implications for standardization in additive construction

Investigation of Effect of Part-Build Directions and Build Orientations on Tension-Tension Mode Fatigue Behavior of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Material Printed Using Fused Filament Fabrication Technology.

This article explores the fatigue characteristics of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) components fabricated using fused filament fabrication (FFF) additive manufacturing technology. ABS is frequently used as a polymeric thermoplastic material in open-source FFF machines for a variety of engineering applications. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical properties and execution of FFF-processed ABS components is necessary. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding the fatigue behavior of ABS components manufactured using FFF AM technology. The primary target of this study is to evaluate the results of part-build directions and build orientation angles on the tensile fatigue behavior exhibited by ABS material. To obtain this target, an empirical investigation was carried out to assess the influence of building angles and orientation on the fatigue characteristics of ABS components produced using FFF. The test samples were printed in three distinct directions, including Upright, On Edge, and Flat, and with varying orientation angles ([0°, 90°], [15°, 75°], [30°, 60°], [45°]), using a 50% filling density. The empirical data suggest that, at each printing angle, the On-Edge building orientation sample exhibited the most prolonged vibrational duration before fracturing. In this investigation, we found that the On-Edge printing direction significantly outperformed the other orientations in fatigue life under cyclic loading with 1592 loading cycles when printed with an orientation angle of 15°-75°. The number of loading cycles was 290 and 39 when printed with the same orientation angle for the Flat and Upright printing directions, respectively. This result underscores the importance of orientation in the mechanical performance of FFF-manufactured ABS materials. These findings enhance our comprehension of the influence exerted by building orientation and building angles on the fatigue properties of FFF-produced test samples. Moreover, the research outcomes supply informative perspectives on the selection of building direction and building orientation angles for the design of 3D-printed thermoplastic components intended for fatigue cyclic-loading applications.

Compressive behavior of additively manufactured lightweight structures: Infill density optimization based on energy absorption diagrams

The use of 3D-printed components as load-bearing structures is widely studied, while their use as energy absorbers constitutes a gap in the additive manufacturing (AM) field. Most of the reported works address the compressive behavior of AM parts up to low strains (<15%), thus omitting many important properties. Therefore, this paper presents the compression characterization of Polylactic Acid (PLA) samples with different infill densities-IDs (10–100% range, with a step of 10%) fabricated by material extrusion (MEX) AM process. The physical (dimensional accuracy, printing time and sample mass) and mechanical (elastic, strength, strain and energy absorption) properties are determined and discussed in detail, along with the failure mechanisms that occur in the samples. Moreover, an ID optimization is performed based on the energy absorption diagrams (EAD), a unique approach in the AM field. The highest values of compressive strength (81 MPa) and modulus (1306.6 MPa) are found for 90%-ID, over 2.2% higher than those obtained for 100%-ID. On the other hand, based on three different approaches, EAD identified 30%-ID as optimal. The 30%-ID samples absorb the largest amount of energy (12 MJ/m3) at the lowest (ideal) peak stress value (23.57 MPa), which is 69.1% lower than that for 100%-ID. At low IDs (<30%), the samples exhibit a brittle behavior, changing to a ductile one with the increase of ID (≥40%). The MEX-printed PLA samples show a dimensional relative error below 0.15%, and the optimization process reduces the amount of filament material by 54.3% and the printing time by 42.7%.

Fatigue Analysis of Polylactide Manufactured by Fused Deposition Method of 3D Printing

Nowadays, 3D printing technology has gained popularity in various industrial sectors, especially in the field of developing new products. This technology allows for the layer-by-layer construction of 3D prototypes. This research primarily focuses on the fatigue performance of 3D-printed components made of Polylactide (PLA). PLA is a versatile material and has a diverse range of applications in packaging, medical, household items, etc. The specimens were made following the ASTM D638 standard using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique. A fatigue test was carried out to investigate fatigue performance by fluctuating the loads and speed of the rotating beam fatigue tester. The finding reveals that materials break under variable strains at a stress magnitude is less than the material's ultimate tensile strength. Furthermore, it was discovered that the degree of the stress triggering fatigue failure reduces as the number of stress cycles increases. Fatigue failure is characterized as a time-delayed fracture due to cyclic stress. The finding reveals that PLA has a low fatigue strength of 19.62N.

Converting Energy with Glycerol and CO2 in a Microfluidic Fuel Cell Equipped with CuBiO4/CuO Photocathode: Bypassing Bubbles Challenge of Concurrent Water Splitting.

The imperative to address CO2 emissions has prompted the search for alternative approaches to capture this gas with minimal energy consumption. In this context, leveraging the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) as an oxidant in fuel cells has emerged as a sophisticated strategy to convert this gas into usable energy. This study introduces a hybrid microfluidic photo fuel cell (μPFC) designed for the efficient conversion of CO2 and glycerol into electrical energy. The prototype integrates 3D-printed components with glass sealing, enabling precise control over the reactant flow and the use of light-sensitive catalysts. The anodic glycerol electrooxidation was investigated on Pt/C dispersed on carbon paper (CP), while the CO2RR was carried out on CuBiO4/CP and CuBiO4/CuO/CP in the presence of solar light. Half-cell measurements demonstrate the photoactivity of CuBiO4/CuO/CP and CuBiO4/CP electrodes for the CO2RR under light exposure at low onset potential in a neutral pH solution, generating a positive theoretical open-circuit voltage of 0.89-0.91 V when coupled to glycerol electrooxidation in an alkaline medium. The use of the mixed medium in the membraneless system equipped with the photosensitive catalysts allowed the building of this galvanic cell. However, the feasibility of using CuBiO4/CP is hindered by the disruption of the colaminar channel caused by hydrogen bubbles produced during concurrent water splitting. In contrast, the μPFC equipped with a CuBiO4/CuO/CP photocathode demonstrates a stable and reproducible performance, delivering a maximum power density of 0.9 mW cm-2. The formation of the CuBiO4/CuO heterojunction effectively suppresses photocatalytic water splitting, allowing for efficient CO2 conversion without disruption of the laminar flow channel. This innovative approach highlights the potential of μPFCs as sustainable energy converters for the utilization of CO2 in aqueous solutions, offering a pathway toward carbon-neutral energy production.

Design strategy for the prototyping of 3D-printed continuous fiber-reinforced components for solar-powered vehicle

Continuous fiber fused filament fabrication is an advanced 3D printing method that allows designers to produce high-performing lightweight structures, leading toward innovative design philosophies and sustainable production chains. In this work, we proposed a design strategy to manufacture selected components for a solar-powered vehicle, which consists of three stages. Firstly, the prototypes’ CAD models are developed, considering their geometric and manufacturing requirements. Then, a finite element analysis is carried out to ensure optimal fiber reinforcement of prototypes’ critical regions. Lastly, the manufacturing stage involves the slicing process and optimization of the time and cost of the printed part employing Markforged® technology. Adopting the proposed methodology, the experimental campaign investigated the print quality and performance of several prototypes of each component by adjusting printing parameters.

Unleashing the elastocaloric cooling potential of 3D-printed NiTi alloy with heterogeneous microstructures and Ni4Ti3 nanoparticles

Toward the development of elastocaloric (eC) refrigeration applications, this study examines how Ni4Ti3 nanoparticles improve the eC properties of laser powder bed-fused (LPBF) NiTi alloys, with a focus on the formation of a NiTi/Ni4Ti3 nanocomposite. The LPBF-produced microstructure offers significant advantages: i) a heterogeneous grain structure that provides complementary benefits—fine grains offer higher deformation resistance while coarse grains initiate phase transformation (PT) earlier, releasing more latent heat; ii) a strong <001>//building direction texture that enhances recoverability. However, these benefits are partially limited by grain boundary slip during PT, leading to lower cooling efficiency and increased energy dissipation in as-built NiTi alloys. To address these issues, Ni4Ti3 nanoparticles are introduced through aging treatment, forming a composite structure that strengthens grain boundaries. Given the challenges of applying severe plastic deformation to 3D-printed components, this approach may offer a more practical solution. The study also reveals that Ni4Ti3 nanoparticles contribute to: 1) reducing Ni content in the matrix, increasing lattice size and enthalpy, which enhances the temperature drop (ΔTad); and 2) promoting R phase formation, which hinders the B2↔B19' PT, reducing energy dissipation and improving the coefficient of performance (COPmat). The balance of these effects depends on nanoparticle size, with smaller particles (∼5–12 nm) amplifying the second effect, while larger particles (∼130 nm) increase the first effect. At 350°C aging, the optimized nanocomposite exhibits a maximum COPmat of 15 and ΔTad of 14K, representing a 163% improvement over the as-built alloy. This work highlights the potential of NiTi composites in 3D-printed eC components.

Functional Silsesquioxanes-Tailoring Hydrophobicity and Anti-Ice Properties of Polylactide in 3D Printing Applications.

To explore the tailoring of hydrophobicity in 3D-printed polylactide (PLA) composites for advanced applications using additive manufacturing (AM), this study focuses on the use of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing. PLA, a material derived from renewable sources, is favored for its eco-friendliness and user accessibility. Nonetheless, PLA's inherent hydrophilic properties result in moisture absorption, negatively affecting its performance. This research aims to modify PLA with organosilicon compounds to enhance its hydrophobic and anti-icing properties. Incorporating fluorinated siloxane derivatives led to significant increases in water contact angles by up to 39%, signifying successful hydrophobic modification. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the addition of organosilicon additives did not compromise the tensile strength of PLA and, in some instances, improved impact resistance, especially with the use of OSS-4OFP:2HEX:2TMOS, which resulted in an increase in the tensile strength value of 25% and increased impact strength by 20% compared to neat PLA. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated that the modified PLA exhibited reduced cold crystallization temperatures without altering the glass transition or melting temperatures. These results suggest that organosilicon-modified PLA has the potential to expand the material's application in producing moisture and ice-resistant 3D-printed prototypes for various industrial uses, thereby facilitating the creation of more durable and versatile 3D-printed components.

Optimizing additive manufacturing parameters for graphene-reinforced PETG impeller production: A fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS approach

Additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, has transformed production by enabling precise, layer-by-layer construction with minimal material waste. This study aims to optimize the mechanical properties and production efficiency of impellers manufactured using Graphene-Reinforced Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (G-PETG) filament. By employing the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), we identified optimal 3D printing parameters. The results showed that a 65 % infill density, 0.20 mm layer height, 50 mm/s printing speed, 90 °C platform temperature, 240 °C extruder temperature, and 90 mm/s traverse speed led to a 15 % improvement in tensile strength and a 12 % reduction in production time compared to baseline settings. Additionally, the impellers produced demonstrated superior surface finish and structural integrity, making them suitable for high-performance applications. These findings underscore the importance of parameter optimization in enhancing the performance of 3D-printed components, particularly for applications requiring high mechanical strength and precision.

Influence of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Post-Curing Conditions on the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Stereolithography 3D-Printed Nanocomposites.

This study presents an innovative approach to improving the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of 3D-printed stereolithography (SLA) nanocomposites by incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (xGNP) into photopolymer matrices. Utilizing an SLA 3D printer, photopolymer formulations with xGNP concentrations of up to 0.25 wt% were successfully produced. Post-print curing was carried out using two different methods: ultraviolet (UV) curing and high-temperature curing at 160 °C. Mechanical characterization using nanoindentation showed a significant increase in elastic modulus by 104% and an increase in hardness by 85% for nanocomposites containing 0.25 wt% xGNP. Furthermore, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed a 39% improvement in storage modulus for samples without post-curing and an improvement of approximately 30% for samples subjected to high-temperature curing. These significant improvements highlight xGNP's potential to not only increase the performance of SLA 3D-printed components but also streamline the manufacturing process by reducing or eliminating energy-intensive post-curing steps. This innovative integration of graphene nanoplatelets paves the way for the production of high-performance, functional 3D-printed products and offers significant advances for various industries with a high impact. The results highlight the transformative role of nanomaterials in additive manufacturing and position this work at the forefront of materials science and 3D printing technology.

Tensile fracture prediction of 3D-printed V-notched PLA specimens: Application of VIMC-MEMC in conjunction with brittle fracture criteria

This study investigates the fracture behavior of additively manufactured round-tip V-notched diagonally loaded square plate (RV-DLSP) specimens with different notch opening angles and tip radii produced from the Polylactic acid (PLA) with [0/90/45/-45]s raster orientation using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique. PLA is known for its ductile behavior, making it a suitable material for various engineering applications. Also, the layer-wise manufacturing process in FDM technique makes the PLA specimens be actually anisotropic. To take the nonlinearity and anisotropy of PLA simultaneously into consideration in prediction of the fracture loads of RV-DLSP specimens, the present study employs the Virtual Isotropic Material Concept (VIMC) and modified Equivalent Material Concept (MEMC) in a two-level strategy of simplifying PLA to an isotropic linear elastic virtual material. Then, the mean stress (MS) and maximum tangential stress (MTS) criteria are utilized to estimate the fracture loads. The theoretical estimations reveal that the VIMC-MEMC-RV-MS criterion is the most accurate model, demonstrating its effectiveness in predicting the fracture behavior of RV-DLSP specimens. Additionally, the VIMC-MEMC-RV-MTS criterion shows commendable accuracy, particularly for the specimens with 30 (deg.) notch opening angle. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the fracture surfaces provides further insights into the fracture mechanisms of RV-DLSP specimens. Notably, distinct fracture patterns are observed based on variations in the notch geometry. Specimens with smaller notch tip radii exhibit fiber cleavage, while those with larger radii display greater fiber interpenetration. These SEM observations are consistent with the fracture load data, which indicates higher fracture loads with increasing the notch opening angle and tip radius. By integrating VIMC and MEMC with the two fracture criteria, accurate predictions of the notch fracture toughness can be achieved, facilitating the design and optimization of 3D-printed PLA components against fracture.

Evaluation of a Three-Dimensional Printed Interventional Simulator for Cardiac Ablation Therapy Training

Cardiac ablation (CA) is an interventional electrophysiological procedure used to disrupt arrhythmic substrates in the myocardium by inducing localized scarring. Current CA training relies on the master–apprentice model. In different fields of medicine including CA, virtual and physical simulators have proven to enhance, and even outperform, conventional training modalities while providing a risk-free learning environment. Despite the benefits, high costs and operational difficulties limit the widespread use of interventional simulators. Our previous research introduced a low-cost CA simulator using a 3D-printed biatrial cardiac model, successfully recording ten ablation lesions on the phantom myocardium. In this work, we present and evaluate an enhanced version: compared to the previous version, the cardiac phantom’s electrical behavior and ablation settings were optimized to produce consistent lesions, while 3D-printed components improved the haptic and radiographic properties of the simulator. Seven cardiologists compared the experimental simulator’s performance to the leading commercial system from Heartroid in a 24-question survey on a 5-point Likert scale. The four following areas of fidelity were considered: catheter entry, anatomical correctness, radiographic appearance, and mapping and ablation. The experimental simulator significantly outperformed the commercial system (p &lt; 0.01), particularly in radiographic appearance (p &lt; 0.01). The results show the potential for the experimental simulator in routine CA training.

A novel systematically optimized tabular neural network (TabNet) algorithm for predicting the tensile modulus of additively manufactured PLA parts

Assessing the elastic modulus of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) components is essential for understanding their stiffness and load capacity, which are crucial for predicting product performance and durability. In this study, the predictive accuracy of a Tabular Neural Network (TabNet) algorithm for determining the elastic modulus of 3D-printed PLA components via fused deposition modeling (FDM) was investigated. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset of 128 literature-sourced data points, divided into 80 % for training and 20 % for validation, the study proposed a new Taguchi-based method for efficient hyperparameter optimization of the TabNet algorithm. This optimization revealed that a configuration of 8 decision blocks, 16 attention blocks, and 5 decision steps, along with the "Adam" optimizer, a gamma of 1, learning rate of 0.1, and lambda-sparse of 0.01, yielded the highest prediction accuracy for the elastic modulus of PLA parts. The performance of the optimized TabNet model was evaluated using R-squared (R²), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) measures. The findings highlighted an R² of 96.855 %, an MAE of 0.158, an MSE of 0.037, and an RMSE of 0.193 in the validation dataset, demonstrating substantial predictive reliability. To further test the model’s robustness, fourteen unseen data points were analyzed. The observed discrepancies between predicted and actual values were under 10 %, affirming the Taguchi-optimized TabNet algorithm’s effectiveness in forecasting the elastic modulus of FDM 3D-printed PLA components. This investigation provides a significant advancement in additive manufacturing, introducing a precise and reliable method for predicting the mechanical properties of 3D-printed materials.

Easy to fabricate 3D metastructure for low-frequency vibration control

As a burgeoning category of elastic metamaterials, 3D metastructures have garnered significant research attention for manipulating low-frequency acoustic and elastic waves. Bandgap engineering allows for the control of these waves across a subwavelength ultrawide frequency range. However, the manufacturing of these 3D structures poses a challenge, necessitating additional support materials for 3D-printed components, creating difficulties in mass production. In this study, we propose a novel lightweight 3D metastructure design that is easy to fabricate and provides a low-frequency subwavelength bandgap. We replaced conventional struts supporting heavy mass inclusions in typical designs with modified arch beams. This structural modification enables the easy and self-supporting manufacturing of 3D metastructure unit cells without the need for extra support material. Utilizing magnets and steel masses with bolts as hard inclusions, the magnet facilitates the quick assembly of the 3D metastructure, potentially facilitating mass manufacturing in practical applications. The wave dispersion and bandgap properties of the metastructure are investigated numerically, and experimental vibration tests are performed on the 3D-printed and assembled parts. The experimental results and numerical findings demonstrate robust vibration attenuation at low frequencies by the proposed 3D metastructure. The suggested, easy-to-fabricate 3D-metastructure design holds potential applications in low-frequency elastic-wave manipulation, including noise and vibration control.

Surface Layer Performance of Low-Cost 3D-Printed Sliding Components in Metal-Polymer Friction

Abstract The paper presents the results of contact strength and tribological property tests of spare parts made of a popular resin using a 3D DLP printing technology. Two printer models by the same manufacturer were used in the study. The post-processing technique, which shapes the final functional properties, was diversified. Surface performance properties were compared, i.e. Shore hardness, indentation hardness, Martens hardness, elastic modulus, and parameters related to surface creep and relaxation. Tribo-logical durability in rotary motion and tribological wear in reciprocating linear motion were also evaluated using micro- and nanotribometers. This was followed by surface analyses of the friction track of the analysed materials using microscopic methods: a scanning electron microscope, a WLI interferometric microscope, and an optical microscope. The results were statistically processed and the relationship between the parameters determined in the indentation test was determined.

In-situ chemically synthesized Fe3O4/K-geopolymer composite with microwave absorbency for additive manufacturing

In this work, we utilized an in-situ chemical synthesis method to fabricate a Fe3O4/K-geopolymer (KGP) composite to be applied in a microwave absorbent field. This material, as a type of ceramic precursor, is highly expected to be a 3D printing material to prepare microwave absorbing components with complex shapes. The investigation results demonstrate that the material possesses a large effective microwave absorbing bandwidth of 3.7 GHz with the minimum reflection loss reducing to −12.2 dB when the generated Fe3O4 percent reaches 12 wt% in the KGP composite. This microwave absorbent performance can be attributed to a synergistic effect between the eddy current loss caused by the improved electrical conductivity of magnetic nanoparticles and the interfacial polarization effect from the geopolymer matrix and magnetic medium interface. Also, we used direct ink writing technology to print two-dimensional components with desirable patterns. Thickness-dependent wave absorption evaluation results confirmed a maximum reflection loss of −25.9 dB at 15.2 Hz was obtained from the printed sample containing 9.0 wt% Fe3O4 for a layer thickness of 10 mm, indicating that wave consumption effectiveness was determined by porous microstructures, magnetic loss of Fe3O4 nanoparticles as well as suitable impedance matching. The preparation method and synthesized material pave the way for integrated manufacturing of 3D printing components with microwave absorbing performance.

Open Photonics: An integrated approach for building a 3D-printed motorized rotation stage system

In the context of experimental optics- and photonics-research, motorized, high-precision rotation stages are an integral part of almost every laboratory setup. Nevertheless, their availability in the laboratory is limited due to the relatively high acquisition costs in the range of several 1000€ and is often supplemented by manual rotation stages. If only a single sample is to be analyzed repeatedly at two different angles or the polarization of a laser source is to be rotated, this approach is understandable. Yet, in the context of automation and the associated gain in measurement time, cost-effective and precise rotation stages designed for the use of optics are lacking.We present a low-cost alternative of a motorized high precision rotation stage system. The design is based on a combination of 3D-printed components, which form the monolithic mechanical framework, and a stepper motor controlled by an ESP32 based microcontroller. By coupling the motor and rotation unit via a toothed belt, backlash is minimized and at the same time high positioning accuracy can be achieved. Finally, the implementation of remote procedure calls for serial communication and the utilization of a physical home switch and incremental encoder complete the desired feature set of an integrated system for laboratory setups. The total costs can thus be reduced to less than 100€ without significantly restricting the performance criteria.

Effects of a 3D-Printed Atomizer Component on Fuel-Spray and Flame Characteristics of a Jet-Stabilized Compact Gas Turbine Combustor Fed With Liquid Fuels

Abstract In this work, the effects of replacing an atomizer component of a confined jet-stabilized gas turbine combustor with a 3D-printed part have been studied. The part is called airblast, and it serves as a wall that collects and flows liquid droplets for a secondary atomization. Therefore, the liquid-surface interaction on the rough surface of the 3D-printed part was of interest. The combustor was operated under various conditions with either a conventionally machined airblast or the 3D-printed airblast. Flames with two liquid fuels were studied for fuel flexibility, and the position of a primary fuel injection was varied to study the influence of the liquid-surface interaction length. Load flexibility was investigated with air jet velocity settings, and flame equivalence ratios of ϕ = 0.8 and 1.0 were tested. Shadowgraphy-based particle tracking analyses presented a reduced atomization performance with the 3D-printed airblast, showing large droplet size distributions. However, no significant change in the combustor performance was observed from OH* chemiluminescence images and emission data, which confirms the versatility of the combustor and assures the compatibility of 3D-printed components with the combustor of this study.

INVESTIGATION ON DIMENSIONAL ACCURACY OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURED SAMPLES

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is a typical 3D printing process. Some benefits of FDM-printed components are durability, mechanical property stability, and the quality of the parts. However, it has several drawbacks, such as the emergence of seamlines between layers and the creation of extra material residue on the surface of the printed object, which compromises the dimensional accuracy of the printed part. When making pieces that fit correctly, the dimensions of 3D-printed components must be accurate. This article discusses the dimensional accuracy of 3D-printed components created using an open-source FDM 3D printer. The filament material for printing the test samples is stainless steel, ABS and tough PLA. The test samples were printed three times each and examined using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The geometries measured and compared between the three printed sample materials are the thickness, corner radius, angle, perpendicular, hole diameter, and flatness. The result shows that the printed samples could not achieve 100% dimensional accuracy, with stainless steel having the highest accuracy ranging from 99 - 98%. The data of stainless steel were then compared side by side with Tough PLA and ABS, where the accuracy of stainless steel is similar to ABS while PLA has the lowest accuracy. The accuracy of the stainless-steel specimen was then analysed and compared to tough PLA and ABS to identify the printing accuracy of the stainless-steel specimen, which is relatively new.

Shedding Light on Lithium-Sulfur Battery Dynamics: Real-Time Insights through in-Situ UV-Vis Spectroscopy on Modified Lab Equipment

In current post-lithium-ion research, the focus is directed toward Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries, motivated by their outstandingly high energy density (2640 Wh/kg) and the widespread availability of sulfur in the Earth's crust. Moreover, in-situ UV-Vis spectroscopy has proven to be instrumental, allowing for the real-time observation of alterations in the chemical composition of various battery components during operational cycles [1,2].Our current study delves into the influence of solvent selection, particularly donor and acceptor numbers, in formulating gel polymer electrolytes for Lithium-Sulfur batteries. Leveraging in-situ UV-Vis spectroscopy, our research provides real-time insights into dynamic interactions within the gel during battery operation, shedding light on evolving electrochemical processes. Systematically analyzing the impact of solvent properties on gel characteristics reveals a meaningful relationship, underscoring the importance of tailored solvent selection for optimizing gel performance. Moreover, this technique tracks polysulfide behavior, offering a comprehensive understanding of the gel's role in mitigating polysulfide shuttling. Notably, our study introduces a novel dimension by employing a custom-built in-situ UV-Vis cell featuring 3D-printed components, enhancing the versatility and applicability of these spectroscopic techniques in probing intricate interactions within gel polymer electrolytes. Moreover, by combining the UV-Vis results with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and FTIR, we aim to advance fundamental knowledge and provide a pathway for optimizing battery performance and mitigating degradation mechanisms.References1- Patel, Manu UM, Rezan Demir‐Cakan, Mathieu Morcrette, Jean‐Marie Tarascon, Miran Gaberscek, and Robert Dominko. "Li‐S Battery Analyzed by UV/Vis in Operando Mode." ChemSusChem 6, no. 7 (2013): 1177-1181.2- He, Qi, Anna TS Freiberg, Manu UM Patel, Simon Qian, and Hubert A. Gasteiger. "Operando identification of liquid intermediates in lithium–sulfur batteries via transmission UV–vis spectroscopy." Journal of The Electrochemical Society 167, no. 8 (2020): 080508.