Additive manufacturing (3D printing) of electrically conductive polymers and polymer nanocomposites and their applications
Kirstie R. Ryan, Michael P. Down, Nicholas J. Hurst, Edmund M. Keefe, Craig E. Banks
Abstract
Additive manufacturing, or three-dimensional (3D) printing, offers a unique solution for fabricating complex geometries with high tolerances. Currently, many commercial additive manufacturing machines focus on the printing of polymers with limited functionalities. However, conductive polymers (CPs) can be processed to enable the additive manufacturing of conductive, low-density, and low-cost parts for a myriad of applications. This review summarizes the relevant achievements in the additive manufacturing of conductive polymers (CPs) and conductive polymer nanocomposites, with a discussion of the advantages and limitations of processing and printing these materials compared with alternative traditional manufacturing methods and their properties. Finally, the prospective applications of these additive manufacturing printed conductive materials are explored.