Carbon nanotubes were first produced in the early 1990s. It‘s as the name suggests -- nanoscale carbon tubes. Although they are thousands of times thinner than human hair, their use is very powerful, and carbon nanotubes have good heat transfer properties. Therefore, researchers have been working on carbon nanotubes, and are investigating the incorporation of carbon nanotubes into 3D printing applications, or 3D printing of carbon nanotubes themselves. Korean researchers are working on 3D printed carbon nanotubes for the development of flexible electronics and wearable technology.

The Korea Electrician Research Institute (KERI) has developed a new technology for printing high conductivity, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) using liquid ink 3D. The study was documented in the literature entitled "3D Printing of Highly Conductive Carbon Nanotube Microstructures Using Fluid Inks". Researchers say that pushing printed electronics to three dimensions requires advanced additive manufacturing techniques that produce versatile materials and high spatial resolution. In order to achieve smooth 3D printing without any nozzle clogging, the researchers designed a MWNT ink with a uniformly dispersed polyvinylpyrrolidone winding. According to a team led by Seol Seung-kwon, 3D printing technology can further enhance parts by thermal post-processing to achieve high concentrations of MWNTs - up to 75% of various microstructures. There are many practical applications for 3D printing carbon nanotubes. In the study, the researchers showed several electronic components, including sensors, transmitters, and RF inductors. This technology can also be of great value in the manufacture of wearable electronic products, including flexible electronic packages. “The existing 3D printing technology is very limited in use,” Seol explains.

“This latest approach will enhance the versatility of the various components required for 3D printing in making future wearable products, making it wearable. Electronic products open up new possibilities." The researchers added: "We expect that the techniques presented in this study will help select different materials in the 3D printing process and increase the freedom of integration of advanced concept devices. It is reported that the researchers include: Jung Hyun Kim, Sanghyeon Lee, Muhammad Wajahat, Hwakyung Jeong, Won Suk Chang, Hee Jin Jeong, Jong-Ryul Jang, Ji Tae Kim, Seung Kwon Seol.