Yamagishi, K., Ching, T., Chian, N., Tan, M., Zhou, W., Huang, S. Y., & Hashimoto, M. (2023). Flexible and Stretchable Liquid‐Metal Microfluidic Electronics Using Directly Printed 3D Microchannel Networks. Advanced Functional Materials, 34(31). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202311219
Abstract:
This paper describes a method for fabricating microfluidic electronics with 3D interconnected networks by direct ink writing (DIW)‐based 3D printing. Existing 3D printing technologies have yet to simultaneously realize 1) direct printing of interconnected multilayered microchannels without supporting materials or post‐processing and 2) integration of electronic elements with microchannels during the process of printing. This research aims to develop a method to fabricate support‐free microchannels consisting of silicone sealant without the collapse of the extruded structure while integrating electronic elements during the fabrication by DIW. The injection of liquid metal into 3D‐printed microchannels allows the formation of electrical connections between 3D conductive networks and the embedded electronic elements, enabling the fabrication of flexible and stretchable liquid metal antenna coils. To demonstrate a practical application, 1) a skin‐attachable radio‐frequency identification (RFID) tag using a commercial skin‐adhesive plaster as a substrate and 2) free‐standing flexible wireless light‐emitting devices with a small footprint (21.4 mm × 15 mm) for potential implantable applications are produced. This technology will offer a new capability to realize the automated fabrication of stretchable printed circuits with 3D configuration of electrical circuits consisting of liquid metals.
License type:
Publisher Copyright
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research - RIE2025 Manufacturing, Trade, and Connectivity Individual Research Grant
Grant Reference no. : M22K2c0085
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research - RIE2020 Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Individual Research Grant
Grant Reference no. : A1983c0039
the Digital Manufacturing and Design (DManD) Centre at Singapore University of Technology and Design
Description:
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Yamagishi, K., Ching, T., Chian, N., Tan, M., Zhou, W., Huang, S. Y., & Hashimoto, M. (2023). Flexible and Stretchable Liquid‐Metal Microfluidic Electronics Using Directly Printed 3D Microchannel Networks. Advanced Functional Materials, 34(31). Portico, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202311219. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.