Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a popular 3D printing plastic for producing flexible and elastic prints. This project explored the conductive properties of graphene-infused TPU for varying material compositions and under various mechanical loads, with potential for use as traces in foldable circuitry and as input devices in soft robotics applications.

The material was produced with an inexpensive extruder kit for making standard FDM 3D printer filament. Varying amounts of graphene powder were added to virgin TPU pellets and thoroughly mixed before being extruded into a uniform filament. Optimal results were found by removing loose graphene from the extruder feedstock via a sieve before extrusion, leaving only graphene-coated TPU pellets.