High internal phase emulsions gel ink for direct-ink-writing 3D printing of liquid metal.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 38839743.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-024-48906-w and PMC identifier 11153652.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
3D printing of liquid metal remains a big challenge due to its low viscosity and large surface tension. In this study, we use Carbopol hydrogel and liquid gallium-indium alloy to prepare a liquid metal high internal phase emulsion gel ink, which can be used for direct-ink-writing 3D printing. The high volume fraction (up to 82.5%) of the liquid metal dispersed phase gives the ink excellent elastic properties, while the Carbopol hydrogel, as the continuous phase, provides lubrication for the liquid metal droplets, ensuring smooth flow of the ink during shear extrusion. These enable high-resolution and shape-stable 3D printing of three-dimensional structures. Moreover, the liquid metal droplets exhibit an electrocapillary phenomenon in the Carbopol hydrogel, which allows for demulsification by an electric field and enables electrical connectivity between droplets. We have also achieved the printing of ink on flexible, non-planar structures, and demonstrated the potential for alternating printing with various materials.