Bismaleimide Ink for Rapid UV Curing 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet 3D printing technologies face challenges in using polyimide (PI)-based inks due to slow curing kinetics, low solid content, high boiling point solvents, and the need for elevated temperatures, which are not compatible with the POLYJET process.
Innovation Solution
A bismaleimide (BMI)-based solution is developed, dissolved in suitable solvents or as a stable suspension, with additives like radical polymerization initiators and nano-particles, allowing for quick curing and tailored rheological properties, suitable for inkjet 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyimide-based inks are used in inkjet 3D printing, then high thermal stability and mechanical properties are achieved, but slow curing kinetics and long curing time (10-60 min) prevent use in POLYJET process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using bismaleimide (BMI) precursors instead of traditional polyimide formulations, and adjusts curing parameters by applying UV irradiation and/or heat at lower temperatures (room temperature to 150°C) to achieve rapid curing within seconds to minutes while maintaining the thermal stability of polyimide materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces BMI-based oligomers as intermediary substances that can be dissolved in solvents to form printable inks with appropriate viscosity, serving as a bridge between the desired polyimide final properties and the requirements for inkjet processability and rapid curing
2Quantity of substance
If traditional PI-based inks are used, then high solid content is required for proper printing, but this limits the printing process and requires high boiling point toxic solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent system parameters by using low boiling point, non-toxic solvents instead of high boiling point toxic solvents, and optimizes the solid content parameter by controlling the concentration of BMI precursors to achieve both printability and rapid curing without requiring excessive solid content
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs volatile, low molecular weight solvents that evaporate quickly and are non-toxic, replacing persistent toxic solvents, allowing for easier and safer processing with minimal environmental impact
3Productivity
If PI-based inks are formulated for inkjet printing, then viscosity must be kept low (10-150 mPa s), but this conflicts with the need for high solid content (at least 20 wt. %)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameters of the BMI precursors to achieve the optimal balance between viscosity and solid content, and adjusts the solvent composition parameters to ensure the ink maintains viscosity within 10-150 mPa s while containing at least 20 wt. % solid content for efficient printing and rapid curing
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 BMI-based solution enables rapid curing (1-20 seconds per layer) and forms a cross-linked thermosetting polymer network, overcoming the limitations of traditional PI-based inks by improving solid content and processing ease, while maintaining high thermal stability and adhesion.
Implementation Method 1
BMIs are a type of PIs that are used for preparation of thermosetting materials. They consist of imide moieties in low molecular weight pre-polymers that have reactive terminal or pendant groups, which undergo homopolymerization and/or copolymerization by UV, thermal or catalytic means resulting in a formation of cross-linked solid products.
Data Source
AI summary
A polyimidc-based solution for inkjet printing includes an α,ω-Bismaleimide(BMI) terminated oligomer, wherein said α,ω-Bismaleimide terminated oligomer is delined by formula (I), wherein R represents an aliphatic, an aromatic or mixed aliphatic and aromatic groups.