Research of 3D Printed Flexible Inductor Based on Conductive Polymer Hydrogel Modified

doi:10.3901/JME.260250

Abstract

Abstract: Conductive polymer hydrogels are extensively utilized in energy storage, flexible electronics, and bioelectronics because of their inherent conductivity and biocompatibility. Currently, the production of most conductive polymer hydrogels relies on conventional two-dimensional (2D) technologies. This includes techniques such as printing, casting, and lithography. These manufacturing processes are cumbersome, expensive, and often yield low resolution in three-dimensional (3D) structures. These limitations impede the application and innovation of polymer hydrogels in electronic conduction. To address these challenges, we proposed a novel composite ink that demonstrates excellent printability for computer-controlled cross-scale extrusion ink direct writing (DIW). This ink was subsequently transformed into a high-performance conductive hydrogel through crosslinking and acid post-treatment. The modified 3D-printed hydrogel exhibits a conductivity of 62 S/m in the gel state and 311 S/m in the dry gel state, with a strain exceeding 210%. By optimizing the printing parameters to accommodate inks of varying viscosities, we created a hydrogel flexible inductor with tensile properties and a multi-layer structure designed for radio signal transmission. Furthermore, due to its excellent biocompatibility and stable molecular structure, this hydrogel holds significant potential for applications in implantable electronic engineering.

Key words: 3D printing, conducting polymer, hydrogel, flexible sensor, poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate

CLC Number:

TG156
TP212

LIU Peiru, WEI Fanan, YAO Ligang, LIU Xiaomin. Research of 3D Printed Flexible Inductor Based on Conductive Polymer Hydrogel Modified[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2026, 62(5): 347-356.

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URL: http://www.cjmenet.com.cn/EN/10.3901/JME.260250

http://www.cjmenet.com.cn/EN/Y2026/V62/I5/347

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