Dielectric Gradient Materials Fabrication: A Synergy of Electric Field Assistance and Photocuring 3D Printing

This study explores the impact of applying an electric field during the photocuring 3D printing process on the final properties of the printed products. Photocuring 3D printing is a layer-by-layer technique where the resin transitions from a liquid to a solid state upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, thereby providing the conditions for the orientation and alignment of filler particles. In this research, an alternating current (AC) electric field was introduced during the printing process. The high dielectric filler particles within the resin experienced dielectrophoresis, resulting in their orientation and alignment. Due to the orthogonal anisotropy of their dielectric constants, the dielectric constant increased in the direction of the electric field and decreased perpendicularly, with dielectric loss following a similar trend. This study demonstrates the feasibility of embedding electrodes in the photocuring 3D printing process. Future work could explore the effects of different electric field properties and electrode shapes on the gradient materials produced by photocuring 3D printing, offering new insights into optimizing the properties of printed materials through controlled electric field application.