Writable 3d Printing Hydrogels for Designable Sensor

Abstract

3D printing of hydrogels has been broadly investigated in various fields. However, it is difficult to be mass-produced or industrialized due to the complexity of curing technology and harsh curing conditions. In this study, based on Binham fluids theory, a more easily molding 3D printing hydrogel and printing method were demonstrated. The compound of Gum Acacia (GA) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) like Bingham fluids represents highly efficient in providing excellent rheological behaviors and ensuring print molding for self-shaping 3D printed hydrogels. Instantly dynamic cross-linking of Poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) and borax (B) at 25 °C is shown ideal mechanical strength in printing process of 3D printed hydrogels. Excellent printing performance allows hydrogels to be molded into sensors of various shapes, with a gauge factor of 2.58, for monitoring strain changes. Furthermore, the 3D printing hydrogels also exhibit outstanding self-healing properties for designable sensor. Therefore, the Bingham fluids-based 3D printing method opens new avenues for 3D printing hydrogels manufacturing and integrated hydrogel sensor.

Keywords: Hydrogels, Three-dimensional direct ink writing, sensor, Bingham fluid, Self-healing properties