Polymer development is approaching to a new stage of advancement in which new functionalities especially in combination with conductive polymers and nanomaterials are more effective. In this context the study of new composites is the key to enable the development of disruptive technologies as additive manufacturing. Increasing electrical conductivity open the way to a new class of objects to be prototyped rapidly at low cost with a high level of customization. Further, the industry has seen a huge increase in the use of additive manufacturing techniques and a development of innovative technologies. The developed technology consist of a new Stereolithographic resin based on the conductive polymer (PEDOT:PSS) and the photocurable resin PEGDA, which has been developed and validated in lab. The composite has been optimized in terms of for what concern conductivity and printability. This resin has been tested to fabricate smart objects as 3D printed electrodes, sensors and transistors.
The developed polymer composite for stereolithography is the basis for the development of the next generations techniques for the production of intelligent products, obtained through the use of innovative materials and allowing solutions based on the integration of electronic components (sensors, transducers or actuators), ensuring smart functionality. Additive manufacturing processes (2PP “two-photons polymerization”, FDM “Fused deposition modeling” , SLA “Stereolithography”), combined with high-resolution pick and place technologies, will be able to integrate different sensors and their relative electrical connections, in complex mechanical parts.