A method for preparing a flexible sol-gel polishing block, the method comprises: (1) adding a gel agent and a 20 μm diamond abrasive into deionized water, and stirring to even to obtain a first material; (2) adding carbon fiber into the first material obtained in the step 1, and mixing to even to obtain a second material; (3) injecting the second material obtained in the step 2 into a mold, and curing to obtain a cured gel; and (4) drying the cured gel to obtain the flexible sol-gel polishing block.

A system is provided. The system includes a 3D printer, which includes a first dispenser and a second dispenser. The first dispenser is configured to apply conductive material to a surface, and the second dispenser is configured to apply conductive diamonds to a surface. The conductive material includes a mixture of an elastomer and at least one of nickel and silver, and the conductive diamonds are between 1 and 10 microns in size.

A use of a filament in 3D printing is disclosed. The filament includes a thermoplastic polymer and detonation nanodiamonds. The filament exhibits increased tensile strength and thermal conductivity and higher glass transition temperature compared to filaments not including detonation nanodiamonds. 3D items produced with the filament exhibits increased tensile strength and thermal conductivity.

A flexible sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoresistive element incorporating piezoresistive composite material arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. Piezoresistive composite materials include a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and a conductive filler material (e.g., carbon), may have an elastic modulus value of preferably less than about 110.sup.3 GPa, and exhibit a change in electrical resistance responsive to a change in pressure applied thereto. Exemplary flexible sensors may have a thickness and a feel similar to human skin, may be amenable to simple fabrication techniques (e.g., fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensional (3D) printing or molding), and can be manufactured into user-specific geometries.

A system is provided. The system includes a 3D printer, which includes a first dispenser and a second dispenser. The first dispenser is configured to apply conductive material to a surface, and the second dispenser is configured to apply conductive diamonds to a surface. The conductive material includes a mixture of an elastomer and at least one of nickel and silver, and the conductive diamonds are between 1 and 10 microns in size.

A method is provided. The method includes preparing a surface to receive a 3D printed layer, 3D printing a conductive layer comprising a plurality of overlaid layers of conductive material to the surface, and 3D printing conductive diamonds to the conductive layer. Preparing the surface includes one or more of texturing the surface and chemically treating the surface. The texturing is performed in order to not adversely impact regularity of the surface and limit variations in the height from the surface of conductive diamonds. Chemically treating the surface reduces films or coatings that may impact adhesion between the surface and the conductive layer, without degrading the conductive layer.

A novel method for making decorative structures, specifically for use as writing instruments composed of a novel material composition that scatters and reflects light to exhibit a particular visual effect, i.e. a glitter effect. The composition is made of one or a combination of a number of different resins combined with a mica dust and/or a diamond dust. The resin is an organic compound and in composed partially or entirely from epoxide, polyester and/or polyurethane. Other additives can be added to the resin to enhance the visual effect including ground glass and dyes or pigments.

A thermoplastic elastomer composition includes 15 mass % or more and 36 mass % or less of organically modified nanodiamond contained in a base material formed of dynamically cross-linked thermoplastic elastomer. Good sliding property is obtained and excellent wear resistance is realized by containing the 15 mass % or more of organically modified nanodiamond.

Flexible sensors incorporating piezoresistive composite materials and their fabrication methods are provided. A flexible sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoresistive element comprising piezoresistive composite material arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. Piezoresistive composite materials include a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and a conductive filler material (e.g., carbon), and have an elastic modulus value of preferably less than about 110.sup.3 GPa. Piezoresistive composite material may be placed between electrodes, and exhibit a change in electrical resistance responsive to a change in pressure applied thereto. Piezoresistive composite materials may be fabricated by fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensional (3D) printing or molding. Exemplary flexible sensors may have a thickness and a feel similar to human skin, may be amenable to simple fabrication techniques, and can be manufactured into user-specific geometries.

A novel method for making decorative structures, specifically for use as writing instruments composed of a novel material composition that scatters and reflects light to exhibit a particular visual effect, i.e. a glitter effect. The composition is made of one or a combination of a number of different resins combined with a mica dust and/or a diamond dust. The resin is an organic compound and in composed partially or entirely from epoxide, polyester and/or polyurethane. Other additives can be added to the resin to enhance the visual effect including ground glass and dyes or pigments.