Water-Soluble Biodegradable Resin Composition for 3D Print Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resin compositions used as support materials in fused deposition modeling, such as PVA-based resins, face issues with poor impact resistance, non-biodegradability, and residual aggregates in wastewater, failing to meet OECD biodegradability standards and requiring additional treatment.
Innovation Solution
A resin composition combining a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin modified with an acid-containing group and a specific biodegradable polyester, comprising aliphatic and aromatic-aliphatic polyesters, achieving excellent water solubility, biodegradability, and melt moldability, with improved flexibility and adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thermoplastic elastomer such as SEBS is blended with PVA-based resin to improve flexibility, then the flexibility and processability of the resin is improved, but the resin loses water solubility and biodegradability because the thermoplastic elastomer is insoluble and non-biodegradable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing non-biodegradable SEBS with biodegradable polyesters (PBAT and PCL) that have different molecular structures and degradation properties, maintaining flexibility while restoring water solubility and biodegradability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite resin system combining PVA-based resin with specific ratios of biodegradable polyesters (PBAT 5-30 parts, PCL 5-30 parts per 100 parts PVA), achieving synergistic properties that balance flexibility, water solubility, and biodegradability
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable polyester is used to replace SEBS, then biodegradability is improved, but aggregates remain in wastewater and on the surface of printed objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameters of the biodegradable polyesters (PBAT with weight average molecular weight 50,000-200,000 and PCL with weight average molecular weight 50,000-150,000) to control crystallization behavior and prevent aggregate formation during dissolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces 1,2-diol units (0.1-5 mol%) in side chains of the PVA-based resin at specific locations to enhance water solubility locally, ensuring complete dissolution and preventing aggregate formation while maintaining bulk mechanical properties
3Object-generated harmful factors
If PVA-based resin is used as support material, then water solubility is excellent, but impact resistance is poor and the resin is hard to process into filament
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system where biodegradable polyesters (PBAT and PCL) act as impact modifiers and plasticizers within the PVA matrix, improving toughness and flexibility while maintaining water solubility through the hydrophilic PVA component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the molecular weight and composition parameters of the biodegradable polyesters to optimize the balance between mechanical strength (impact resistance) and processability (filament formation) while preserving water solubility
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 resin composition ensures complete dissolution in water, meeting OECD biodegradability requirements, allowing for disposal without treatment, and providing stable filament feeding and support in 3D modeling.
Implementation Method 1
PVA-based resin exhibits excellent water solubility due to its molecular structure containing many hydroxyl groups
Implementation Method 2
a resin composition with excellent water solubility and biodegradability
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention discloses a resin composition comprising (A) a polyvinyl alcohol resin modified with acid-containing group and (B) a biodegradable polyester, wherein the (B) biodegradable polyester comprises (B1) an aliphatic polyester and (B2) an aromatic-aliphatic polyester at a ratio of (B1)/(B2) of 61/39 to 99/1. This resin composition exhibits excellent water solubility and biodegradability. When used as a support material for fused deposition modeling, wastewater generated after washing off structures made from the support material can be discharged without any specific treatment. When used as a molding material, products made from the molding material can be disposed of.