Volume-constrained Additive Manufactured Polymers for Integrated Robust Electronics (VAMPIRE)

Traditional manufacturing methods struggle to meet NASA's strict volume constraints for electronics. Additive manufacturing electronics (AME) offer potential for compact, conformable, and cost-effective structures, but designing space-qualified systems is challenging. Materials suitable for 2D and 3D additive manufacturing haven't been proven rugged enough for space. Nanohmics, Inc. and Dr. Maggie Chen, from Texas State University, propose Volume-constrained Additive Manufactured Polymers for Integrated Robust Electronics (VAMPIRE) to use aerosol printing, materials synthesis, and PVDF polymer inks to demonstrate Volume-constrained Additive Manufactured Polymers for Integrated Robust Electronics. Piezoelectric materials, useful in transducers, sensors, and energy harvesting, include ceramic lead zirconium titanate (PZT) and polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). While PZT is strong and durable, it's dense and contains lead. PVDF is less strong but offers benefits like low density, flexibility, and environmental safety. PVDF can be enhanced by combining it with other polymers, increasing its mechanical properties and low-temperature survivability. PVDF is commonly used in sensing applications but 3D aerosol printing of PVDF is not well-studied. Aerosol jet technology can print PVDF on various substrates, but its application in PVDF 3D printing is limited. Phase I effort will focus on formulating PVDF copolymer inks for 3D aerosol printing and conducting environmental testing to evaluate survivability in extreme temperatures. Phase II will prototype sensors or actuators using engineered material.
Benefits: Printable PVDF is crucial in space missions for creating flexible sensors monitoring pressure, temperature, radiation, and humidity. These sensors ensure spacecraft safety and efficiency. PVDF-based inks can also print lightweight antennas for communication, navigation, and data collection. PVDF's piezoelectric properties make it ideal for energy harvesting, converting mechanical movements into electrical energy for powering sensors and electronics, and reducing reliance on traditional power sources. PVDF is versatile and used in various applications including chemical processing, electricity, batteries, and electronic components, construction, healthcare, biomedical research, ultra-pure applications, nuclear waste handling, petrochemicals, food processing, and water management. Thermal imaging is used in astronomy, portal security applications, and industrial process monitoring.