Dual-curable Inkjet Composition Viscosity Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet compositions for additive manufacturing face challenges in maintaining viscosity stability over time, especially when stored at elevated temperatures, which affects the printing process and the properties of the final three-dimensional objects.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet composition comprising a combination of photocurable and thermocurable compounds, along with a photoinitiator, is developed to maintain viscosity stability within a specific range (1 to 60 mPa·s) at 60°C for up to 168 hours, ensuring consistent dispensing and curing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the inkjet composition is stored at elevated temperatures for extended periods, then the viscosity increases and printing performance deteriorates, but maintaining low viscosity at storage temperature limits the thermal reactivity and curing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and combining specific photocurable compounds (with defined functional groups and molecular weights) and thermocurable compounds (with specific reactive groups) to achieve a composition that maintains viscosity stability across a range of temperatures and storage times while ensuring adequate reactivity for both inkjet dispensing and curing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by formulating an inkjet composition that integrates multiple photocurable compounds and thermocurable compounds with complementary properties. This composite system provides both the low viscosity required for inkjet printing and the thermal reactivity needed for curing, resolving the contradiction between stability and reliability
2Reliability
If the composition uses highly reactive thermocurable compounds to ensure good curing performance, then the viscosity increases rapidly at storage temperature, but using less reactive compounds reduces curing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting thermocurable compounds with specific reactive group types and concentrations that provide adequate curing performance without excessive reactivity at storage temperature. The photocurable compounds are selected to dominate the initial curing response while the thermocurable compounds provide secondary reinforcement, optimizing both stability and curing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using thermocurable compounds at controlled concentrations that provide sufficient curing performance without causing rapid viscosity increase. The thermocurable compounds act as a supplementary system that enhances curing without dominating the early-stage viscosity behavior, achieving balanced performance
3Ease of operation
If the inkjet composition has low viscosity for good dispensing performance, then the composition lacks sufficient thermal reactivity for effective curing, but increasing viscosity improves thermal reactivity while compromising dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting photocurable compounds with specific functional group densities and molecular weights that provide both adequate viscosity for dispensing and sufficient reactivity for curing. The thermocurable compounds are selected to complement this by providing thermal reactivity enhancement without significantly increasing baseline viscosity, achieving a balance between dispensing ease and curing effectiveness
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 composition achieves stable viscosity over extended periods, allowing for reliable printing and producing three-dimensional objects with improved mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and elongation at break, while preventing undesirable thermal reactivity and viscosity increases.
Implementation Method 1
The composition achieves stable viscosity over extended periods, allowing for reliable printing and producing three-dimensional objects with improved mechanical properties
Implementation Method 2
An inkjet composition comprising a combination of photocurable and thermocurable compounds, along with a photoinitiator, is developed to maintain viscosity stability within a specific range (1 to 60 mPa·s) at 60°C for up to 168 hours
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet composition for additive manufacturing includes at least one photocurable compound, at least one thermocurable compound and a photoinitiator, wherein the at least one photocurable compound and the at least one thermocurable compound are different compounds. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object includes dispensing and curing an inkjet composition.