Jettable Antioxidant Blend for 3D Printing Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D printing processes using polymeric build materials face issues of thermal degradation due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures in oxygen-containing environments, leading to discoloration and reduced quality of 3D objects, as well as decreased reusability and recyclability of non-patterned materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of an antioxidant formulation comprising a primary and secondary antioxidant blend, applied as a jettable solution during the 3D printing process, stabilizes the polymeric build material by quenching polymer radicals and preventing oxidative degradation, thereby reducing thermal degradation and improving the quality and recyclability of printed objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polymeric build material is exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods during 3D printing, then the build material can be fused and coalesced to form solid parts, but thermal degradation occurs leading to discoloration and reduced quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an inert atmosphere by introducing nitrogen gas or other inert gases into the printing chamber to displace oxygen. This creates an oxygen-deficient environment that prevents oxidative degradation of the polymeric build material during high-temperature exposure, thereby reducing discoloration and maintaining material quality while still allowing fusion and coalescence to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high temperature exposure by using controlled oxygen limitation. The same thermal energy that causes degradation is harnessed for beneficial fusion, while oxygen restriction prevents the harmful oxidative pathways. This transforms the thermal processing from a degrading condition to a controlled forming process.
2Reliability
If high temperature exposure is increased to improve fusion of build material, then material coalescence is enhanced, but oxidative degradation and loss of reusability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces inert gases such as nitrogen into the printing environment to create an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. This prevents oxidative degradation of the polymeric build material during high-temperature processing, maintaining material integrity and reusability while ensuring reliable fusion and coalescence of the build material into solid parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the printing environment by controlling oxygen concentration and introducing inert gases. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high temperatures for effective fusion while preventing oxidative degradation, thus preserving material reusability and reducing substance loss.
3Strength
If prolonged heating is used to ensure complete fusion of build material, then structural integrity is improved, but thermal degradation and discoloration worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inert atmosphere created by introducing nitrogen gas or other inert gases to displace oxygen during prolonged heating cycles. This allows extended thermal processing necessary for complete fusion and structural integrity while preventing oxidative discoloration and thermal degradation that would otherwise occur during prolonged exposure.
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 antioxidant formulation effectively stabilizes polymeric build materials, reducing thermal degradation and enhancing the quality and reusability of 3D printed objects by minimizing discoloration and maintaining mechanical integrity.
Implementation Method 1
preventing oxidative degradation
Implementation Method 2
quenching polymer radicals
Implementation Method 3
absorbing radiation and converting the absorbed radiation to thermal energy
Implementation Method 4
converting the absorbed radiation to thermal energy, which in turn fuses/coalesces the polymeric build material
Implementation Method 5
at least partial melting may be accomplished using heat-assisted extrusion
Implementation Method 6
curing, thermal merging/fusing, melting, sintering, etc. of the build material
Implementation Method 7
curing or fusing may be accomplished using, for example, ultra-violet light or infrared light
Implementation Method 8
ultra-violet light or infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a jettable antioxidant formulation is for three-dimensional (3D) printing. The jettable antioxidant formulation includes an antioxidant blend; a surfactant, a dispersant, or a combination thereof; a water soluble or water miscible organic co-solvent; and water. The antioxidant blend consists of a primary antioxidant and a secondary antioxidant.