Conductive 3D Printing Resins with Functionalized Nanocarbon
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3-D printing technologies face challenges in creating electrically-conductive materials due to issues with nanocarbon dispersion and damage during fabrication, leading to underutilization of nanocarbon potential and degraded properties in composite materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-agglomerated and non-damaged nanocarbon composites, synthesized using methods that prevent drying-induced agglomeration and entanglement, combined with intermediate solubility solvents to maintain nanocarbon dispersion and prevent damage, facilitating improved electrical conductivity in 3-D printed objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nanocarbon is used to create electrically-conductive 3-D printed objects, then electrical conductivity is improved, but nanocarbon agglomeration and damage occur during fabrication, degrading material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalizing nanocarbon surfaces with specific chemical groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino) before incorporation into polymers. This pre-treatment prevents agglomeration and damage during subsequent 3-D printing fabrication, ensuring both electrical conductivity and material integrity are maintained throughout the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses coupling agents as intermediaries between nanocarbon and polymer matrices. These coupling agents (such as silanes and organometallic compounds) mediate the interface, preventing direct harmful interactions during fabrication while maintaining electrical conductivity pathways, thus resolving the contradiction between conductivity and dispersion quality
2Productivity
If conventional 3-D printing fabrication methods are used, then manufacturing efficiency is maintained, but nanocarbon suffers from drying-induced agglomeration and entanglement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical parameters of nanocarbon surfaces through functionalization. By introducing reactive functional groups, the nanocarbon's interaction with solvents and polymers is altered, preventing agglomeration during conventional 3-D printing processes while maintaining manufacturing efficiency. This chemical parameter modification stabilizes dispersion without requiring changes to fabrication methodology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite materials by combining functionalized nanocarbon with specifically selected polymers and coupling agents. This composite approach ensures nanocarbon remains dispersed and undamaged during conventional 3-D printing, as the composite structure provides protective interactions that prevent agglomeration and entanglement while maintaining production efficiency
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
This approach results in higher degrees of nanocarbon dispersion with reduced damage, enhancing the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of 3-D printed materials, enabling the creation of electrically-conductive objects suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
nanocarbon composites with increased electrical conductivity
Implementation Method 2
nanocarbon composites with increased thermal conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and resins for use with three-dimensional printing systems and/or other energy-curing devices to create 3-D objects having electrical conductivity. The resins comprise an initiator, a photopolymerizable agent, and a nanocarbon, particularly, single-walled carbon nanotubes. The initiator, photopolymerizable agent, and nanocarbon are mixed and agitated without fully solubilizing the nanocarbon so as to maintain the electrically conductive property.