On 3D Printing of PVDF Composite- Based Sensors for Biomedical Applications

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites are commercially used in numerous engineering applications due to their exceptional sensing capabilities. But less has been testified to using such sensors for monitoring bone healing as a typical internet of bodies (IoB) solution. In this study, PVDF composite comprising of 90%PVDF-8% hydroxyapatite (Hap) - 2% chitosan (CS) having melt flow index (MFI) 1.224 g/(10 min), Young's modulus (E) 889 MPa, modulus of toughness (MoT) 2 MPa was 3D printed by fused filament fabrication (FFF) for possible sensing applications in veterinary patients (VP) after implantation. The PVDF composite sensor was tuned for a resonant frequency (RF) of 2.45 GHz as a typical IoB-based solution for the health monitoring of VP. The acceptable return loss (S-11) was found to be - 22.12 dB for PVDF composite-based sensors. Also, the specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.188 W/kg for the proposed sensors aligns with the medical standard.

Automated summary

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites are widely used for sensing applications in engineering, but their use in monitoring bone healing as an Internet of Bodies (IoB) solution is limited. This study 3D printed a PVDF composite with 90% PVDF, 8% hydroxyapatite (Hap), and 2% chitosan (CS) for sensing applications in veterinary patients. The composite sensor had a resonant frequency of 2.45 GHz and a return loss of -22.12 dB, making it suitable for IoB-based health monitoring. The specific absorption rate (SAR) of the sensors was also within the medical standard.