Printed Electronics Evolution: Analyzing Extrusion Methods, Force Modeling, and the Integration of 3D Printed Biosensors
Restricted (Penn State Only)
Author:
Peeke, Lachlan M
Graduate Program:
Materials Science and Engineering
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
October 19, 2023
Committee Members:
Luke Andrew Mc Clure Lyle, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Guhaprasanna Manogharan, Committee Member John Mauro, Program Head/Chair
Keywords:
3D Printing Electronics Biosensor Toolpath Extrusion
Abstract:
Additive manufacturing (AM) is the latest development in the manufacturing arena. Through AM, the technology utilizes a feedstock and a layer-by-layer method to produce objects. While this method is economical in procuring structural prototypes, new research focuses on using more smart or active materials to open up the prototyping potential. The research presented evaluates the extrusion inaccuracies between two types of material extrusion: a pneumatic extruder and a mechanical extruder with various infill patterns using a silver nanoparticle ink. For a complex multicomponent ink, mechanical extruders are more effective at delivering material evenly. Using the same mechanical extrusion 3D printer and an extruder force monitoring system, a series of models are used to predict the extruded geometry within 10% of the desired shape. Finally, the work builds on developing a biosensor to detect electroactive chemicals, specifically neurotransmitters. By replacing low-resistance carbon-based conductors with printed silver ink, the electron mobility of the sensor was primarily improved.
