Amine Curing Agent Composition for Stable 3D Printing Resins
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies using UV-light polymerization lack sufficient shelf life stability, reactivity, and chemical compatibility of amine curing agents, leading to premature polymerization, increased viscosity, and compromised mechanical properties of the finished objects.
Innovation Solution
Development of amine curing agents with specific structural features, such as primary amine groups connected to cyclic hydrocarbon moieties and controlled alkyl groups, to provide stability and reactivity, ensuring dual polymerization processes form robust polyurea/polyurethane networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional amine curing agents are used in resin mixtures for 3D printing, then the curing process can proceed, but premature solidification and increased viscosity occur, affecting manufacturing quality and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of amine curing agents by introducing specific substituents (aryl groups, alkyl groups, cyclic structures) to change their reactivity parameters. This allows the curing agents to remain stable during storage (long shelf life) while maintaining controlled reactivity during the curing process, preventing premature solidification and viscosity increase that would harm manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blocking group mechanism where the amine curing agent is temporarily blocked from reacting with isocyanate until the appropriate time. This intermediary state allows the resin mixture to maintain stability during storage and handling, then activates curing at the right moment, separating the storage stability function from the curing function
2Speed
If amine curing agents with high reactivity are used, then curing speed increases, but shelf life decreases due to premature reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic reactivity system where the amine curing agent transitions from a low-reactivity blocked state during storage to a high-reactivity uncblocked state during curing. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain long shelf life while achieving fast curing speed when needed, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary blocking of the amine curing agent before use, preventing premature reaction during storage. The blocking group is removed or deactivated at the appropriate time to activate curing, ensuring the agent remains inactive during shelf life but becomes highly reactive when needed
3Ease of manufacture
If standard curing agents are used, then the basic curing function is achieved, but the physical and mechanical properties of the finished object are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite curing system combining the amine curing agent with specific blocking groups and catalysts. This composite approach maintains the simplicity of the basic curing function while enhancing the physical and mechanical properties of the finished object through the synergistic interaction of multiple components with optimized structures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The amine curing agents enhance the shelf life and reactivity of resin compositions, maintaining homogeneity and preventing premature polymerization, resulting in objects with improved mechanical properties and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the amine-curing agent and a reactive composition such as a blocked isocyanate or polyisocyanate that can polymerize with the amine curing agent to form a second polymer network
Implementation Method 2
Part A of the resin which is polymerized first by a light induced process preferably using UV light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to amine curing agents compositions useful in formulation additives, compositions comprising systems, resin formulations, and the use of these compositions in methods of making objects by additive manufacturing using 3D printing methodologies.