Matteo Manachino

Ph.D. in Ingegneria Elettrica, Elettronica E Delle Comunicazioni , 34th cycle (2018-2021)

Ph.D. obtained in 2021

Dissertation:

Modelling and characterization of electronic conductivity in 3D printed PEGDA:PEDOT polymer composites - High frequency applications (Abstract)

Tutors:

Luciano Scaltrito Candido Pirri

Research presentation:

Poster

Profile

Research topic

3D printed electrically conductive polymers for non-planar electronics devices

Research interests

Analog, Power and Mixed-Signal Circuits and Embedded Systems
Micro- and nanotechnologies, devices, systems and applications

Biography

The focus of this research activity is to model the conduction mechanism in 3D printed device made up of a composite material: Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), also named PEDOT as conjugated polymer, which is the filler of a polymeric isolating matrix made of PEGDA (Polyethylene glycol diacrylate), a long-chain, hydrophilic, crosslinking monomer.
An experimental validated conduction model, strongly related to the printing process parameters is mandatory to optimize the conductance of the device, without sacrificing the printability of the medium. The idea is to print, directly through stereolithography, fundamental electronic components and sensors and furthermore to exploit the bi-material system to realize in the same printing process, conductive and isolating regions in order to overcome the idea of flatness in printed circuit boards (PCBs), allowing the development of a three-dimensional electronics.
Exploiting new capabilities of rapid prototyping will lead to Molded Interconnect Devices (MIDs) 3D printing, which allow to integrate mechanical and electronic functions in a single component to optimize and miniaturize designs, as well as improve function, performance, and reliability of connected products. This will afford designers much greater freedom to experiment with new forms, while taking the advantages of using MIDs one step further in terms of adding functionality, reducing weight, streamlining product structure and improving reliability.
The research activity aims at modelling the conduction mechanism in 3D printed polymer composite made of an insulating PEGDA matrix and a conjugated polymer, as PEDOT filler, through experimental electrical characterization of 3D printed device samples.
The main objectives are thus the design of high quality metal-polymer contact with enhanced electrical and mechanical adhesive properties to integrate ICs in 3D printed circuits, through stereolithography; the electrical DC/AC characterization of 3D printed polymeric devices, exhibiting high longitudinal, transversal and axial anisotropic conductivity; the development of a three-dimensional conduction model of 3D printed polymeric devices;
Several thermosetting PEGDA/PEDOT samples have been printed, by stereolithography and tested to characterize the electrical properties, testing different contact metals.

Awards and Honors

  • poster giornate GIF (Gruppo italiano di fotochimica) (2021)
  • Poster MNE 2021 Turin (2021)

Publications

Works published during the Ph.D. View all publications in Porto@Iris

Society and Enterprise

Patents and other intellectual properties