3D Printing of Nanocomposites: Applications in Conductive and Healable Materials

The recent progress in 3D printing of functional polymer materials has transformed the production process of complex conductive polymer composites (CPCs), offering unique flexibility and precision. Integrating electrically conductive composites and dynamic bonds within 3D-printed matrices helps to develop multifunctional composites consisting of conductive and healable properties. Here, we present a comprehensive review of 3D printing techniques and applications of electrically conductive polymer-based composites. The review explores the integration of conductive nanomaterials into polymeric matrices, to produce CPCs with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. Applications of such CPCs in flexible sensors, health monitoring, EMI shielding, electronics, and other areas have been discussed. A significant portion of the manuscript is dedicated to an in-depth exploration and advances in 3D printing with covalent adaptable network (CAN)-based composites. The discussion emphasizes the unique features and benefits of dynamic covalent chemistry in enhancing the self-healing and reprocessing capabilities of printed structures, while the conductive fillers also provide the synergistic effects on the electrical properties. The manuscript outlines future directions and challenges in this emerging field, and serves as a valuable resource offering a comprehensive overview to researchers, engineers, and practitioners interested in the field of 3D printing of CPCs and healable nanocomposites via CANs.