Abstract: 3D printable inks are disclosed which include one-part room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone and carbon particles such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Butyl acetate may be used as a solvent to disperse the CNTs in the silicone in the ink precursor. The one-part nature of the inks (i) enables to print without prior mixing and cures under ambient conditions; (ii) allows directly dispensing 100 ?m resolution printability on nonpolar and polar substrates; and (iii) forms both self-supporting and high-aspect-ratio structures, key aspects in additive biomanufacturing that eliminate the need for sacrificial layers; and (iv) lends efficient, reproducible, and highly sensitive responses to various tensile and compressive stimuli.

Abstract: 3D printable inks are disclosed which include one-part room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone and carbon particles such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Butyl acetate may be used as a solvent to disperse the CNTs in the silicone in the ink precursor. The one-part nature of the inks (i) enables to print without prior mixing and cures under ambient conditions; (ii) allows directly dispensing 100 ?m resolution printability on nonpolar and polar substrates; and (iii) forms both self-supporting and high-aspect-ratio structures, key aspects in additive biomanufacturing that eliminate the need for sacrificial layers; and (iv) lends efficient, reproducible, and highly sensitive responses to various tensile and compressive stimuli.