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US 10,234,342 B2Granted
3D printed conductive compositions anticipating or indicating structural compromise
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorsCarolyn Moorlag, Rachel Prestayko, Barkev Keoshkerian, Sarah J. Vella
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Abstract
An article includes a body and at least one 3D-printable conductive composite segment in mechanical communication with the body. The body includes a first material and the at least one conductive composite segment includes a matrix material, a plurality of carbon nanotubes, and conductive additives. The conductive additives include a plurality of metallic particulates, a plurality of graphitic particles or a combination thereof.
Claims20
An article comprising:
- a body portion comprising a first material;
- and
- at least one 3D-printable conductive composite segment in mechanical communication with the body, the at least one conductive composite segment comprising
- a matrix material comprising a thermoplastic polymer,
- a plurality of carbon nanotubes;
- and
- a plurality of conductive additives comprising metallic particulates, graphitic particles or a combination thereof,
- wherein the thermoplastic polymer is present in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 90% by weight relative to the total weight of the conductive composite segment.
5 more elements
A method of forming an article comprising,
- forming a body comprising a first material;
- and
- forming at least one 3D-printable conductive composite segment in mechanical communication with the body, wherein the at least one conductive composite segment comprises
- a matrix material comprising a thermoplastic polymer,
- a plurality of carbon nanotubes;
- and
- a plurality of conductive additives comprising metallic particulates, graphitic particles or a combination thereof,
- wherein the thermoplastic polymer is present in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 90% by weight relative to the total weight of the conductive composite segment.
5 more elements
A method for monitoring structural integrity of an object, comprising:
- providing an article having at least one 3D printable conductive composite segment that is in mechanical communication with a body of the article, wherein the at least one conductive composite segment comprises
- a matrix material comprising a thermoplastic polymer, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is present in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 90% by weight relative to the total weight of the conductive composite segment,
- a plurality of carbon nanotubes, and
- a plurality of conductive additives comprising metallic particulates, graphitic particles or combinations thereof;
- measuring a resistance value of the conductive composite segment cross an entire length of the conductive composite segment;
- calculating a conductivity value to determine a known conductivity value of the conductive composite segment;
- exposing the article to a stress event and measuring the resistant value of the conductive composite segment to determine changes in conductivity value during the stress event;
- comparing the measured changes in conductivity value during the stress event to the known conductivity value;
- determining whether a difference between the measured conductivity value and the known conductivity value falls within a predetermined threshold value that signifies a decrease in structural integrity of the body;
- and
- generating an alarm if the difference is within the predetermined threshold value.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.