{"id":158848,"date":"2020-10-14T10:15:27","date_gmt":"2020-10-14T02:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/facfox.com\/?p=158848"},"modified":"2020-10-14T10:15:27","modified_gmt":"2020-10-14T02:15:27","slug":"3d-printed-tiny-and-transparent-electronic-fibers-for-a-new-generation-of-sensors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/news\/3d-printed-tiny-and-transparent-electronic-fibers-for-a-new-generation-of-sensors\/","title":{"rendered":"3D Printed Tiny and Transparent Electronic Fibers for a New Generation of Sensors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Researchers from the University of Cambridge<\/a> have developed a method of 3D printing a new generation of sensors with tiny, transparent electronic fibers. This fiber is 100 times thinner than human hair and can be used to make devices that can smell, hear, and touch. The research results are published in “Science Progress”.<\/a><\/p>\n

When studying phenomena particularly related to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the report\u2019s first author, Andy Wang, Ph.D. from the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, tried to measure the passage of normal breathing, rapid breathing, and simulation. The amount of breath moisture leaking from the mask. cough. To this end, Dr. Yan Yan Shery Huang, also from the Department of Engineering, led the team to 3D print composite fibers made of silver and\/or semiconducting polymers.<\/p>\n

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This figure demonstrates the 3D printing of silver and PEDOT:PSS to create electronic fibers invisible to the human eye. Image courtesy of Science Advances.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The process developed by the researchers is a form of direct ink writing, in which a polymer of silver or poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is passed through an ion gun etching the fiber into the pad. Fiber enters the mat. The fiber stretches between the two copper pads, bridging the two electrodes.<\/p>\n

To demonstrate the application, the team created a sensor to measure the moisture leaking through the mask. The sensor can determine that the most leaking part from the fabric or surgical mask is from the front, especially when coughing, while the most leaking part of the N95 mask is from the top and side. Make sure to wear all masks properly to help reduce the flow of exhalation.<\/p>\n