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• Lightweight conductive paths for structural health monitoring systems using 3D-printed metallic and carbon-filler based inks

  T. Sofi, A. CORTÉS, A. ESPERANZA, M. GUDE, E. VILLAFRANCA, P. WIERACH, A. JIMÉNEZ-SUÁREZ, S. PROLONGO

  Materiales Compuestos (Online first).

  
  

  Abstract

  Guided wave-based structural health monitoring (SHM) systems using piezoelectric sensors for composite parts face challenges due to the weight of copper wiring. This study developed lightweight, 3D-printed conductive paths using silver ink (Dycotec Materials) and epoxy (Epolam 8052) doped with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The inks were characterized for their weight and conductivity with a Keithley 2410. Following which they were evaluated for signal transmission of guided waves and easy integration with induction heating. Nanoparticle-doped epoxy inks demonstrated increased viscosity and controlled circuit dimensions, though dispersion issues led to voids and agglomerates. Unmodified silver inks did not show good printing quality; however, the quality was improved significantly with the adding of GNPs. Circuits from both inks were evaluated for conductivity and signal transmission. Silver inks achieved conductivity levels comparable to copper and effective signal transmission, while nanoparticle-doped epoxy had significantly lower conductivity and signal loss (2-3 times), even at its best formulation. A lightweight film integrating silver circuits was successfully bonded to a composite panel using induction heating, demonstrating a rapid integration method for SHM systems. These findings highlight the potential of metallic and nanoparticle-doped inks to replace traditional copper wiring, offering significant weight reduction, and easier integration capabilities for SHM applications.

  Abstract
  Guided wave-based structural health monitoring (SHM) systems using piezoelectric sensors for composite parts face challenges due to the weight of copper wiring. This study [...]

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