Design and Characterization of 3D-Printed Capacitors Using Conductive and Non-Conductive PLA Filaments

Abstract

Recent advancements have sparked significant interest in 3D-printed electronics, with transformative potential for the electronics industry. The capability to design custom electronic devices tailored to precise specifications has elevated 3D-printed electronics as a field of immense potential. In our work, we are exploring material extrusion (MEX) techniques to fabricate capacitors using polylactic acid (PLA) as the primary polymer. This research focuses on analyzing the mechanical and electrical properties of both conductive PLA and PLA-based capacitors. The capacitors are created by 3D-printing structured layers, where PLA serves as the dielectric material, and conductive PLA forms the electrodes. This design enables a viable pathway for developing capacitors with enhanced capacitance, making them suitable candidates for advanced energy storage applications.