Low-Temperature 3D Printing Technology of Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Matrix Conductive Hydrogel Sensors with Diversified Path Structures and Good Electric Sensing Properties

Abstract

Novel and practical low-temperature 3D printing technology composed of a low-temperature 3D printing machine and optimized low-temperature 3D printing parameters was successfully developed. Under a low-temperature environment of 0–−20 °C, poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix hydrogels including PVA-sodium lignosulphonate (PVA-LS) hydrogel and PVA-sodium carboxymethylcellulose (PVA-CMC) hydrogel exhibited specific low-temperature rheology properties, building theoretical low-temperature 3D printable bases. The self-made low-temperature 3D printing machine realized a machinery foundation for low-temperature 3D printing technology. Combined with ancillary path and strut members, simple and complicated structures were constructed with high precision. Based on self-compiling G-codes of path structures, layered variable-angle structures with high structure strength were also realized. After low-temperature 3D printing of path structures, excellent electrical sensing functions can be constructed on PVA matrix hydrogel surfaces via monoplasmatic silver particles which can be obtained from reduced reactions. Under the premise of maintaining original material function attributes, low-temperature 3D printing technology realized functionalization of path structures. Based on “3D printing first and then functionalization” logic, low-temperature 3D printing technology innovatively combined structure–strength design, 3D printable ability and electrical sensing functions of PVA matrix hydrogels.

Keywords

• hydrogel sensor
• low-temperature 3D printing
• conductivity
• structure design
• high sensitivity