3D Printing Epoxy Amine Crosslinking Mechanical Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies face limitations in achieving optimal mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and modulus, due to constraints in build material selection, which often compromise between melting properties, fire retardancy, and chemical resistance.
Innovation Solution
The use of a thermoplastic polymer powder combined with a crosslinking epoxy compound, where the epoxy compound reacts with amino groups present in the polymer powder or added amine compounds during printing, forming a crosslinked polymer network to enhance the mechanical properties of 3D printed parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic polymer powder is used as build material, then ease of manufacture and melting properties are improved, but mechanical properties (tensile strength and modulus) are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermoplastic polymer powder with epoxy compound and amine compound to create a composite material system. The thermoplastic polymer provides ease of manufacturing and melting properties, while the epoxy-amine crosslinked network provides enhanced mechanical strength. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the build material by introducing reactive compounds (epoxy and amine) that undergo chemical transformation during curing. This transforms the material from a simple thermoplastic with good processability to a crosslinked composite with superior mechanical properties, while maintaining the original melting advantages.
2Strength
If epoxy compound and amine compound are added to enhance mechanical properties, then strength is improved, but device complexity and process steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the application of epoxy compound and amine compound into a single integrated process step. Both reactive agents are applied to the powder bed material simultaneously or in sequence as part of the same printing cycle, eliminating the need for separate processing steps and reducing overall device complexity despite adding functional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The epoxy and amine compounds applied to the powder bed automatically react with each other during the printing process to form the crosslinked network. This self-curing mechanism eliminates the need for additional external curing equipment or complex processing steps, as the material itself performs the strengthening function through its chemical reaction.
3Strength
If crosslinking epoxy compound is used to improve mechanical properties, then strength and modulus are enhanced, but material selection constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal approach by selecting thermoplastic polymer powder as the base material that can work with epoxy-amine crosslinking. This combination is adaptable to multiple material types and applications, providing enhanced mechanical properties across different use cases while maintaining flexibility in material selection for specific applications.
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 stronger 3D printed parts with improved mechanical properties, as demonstrated by increased modulus and tensile stress, particularly when using a combination of reactive agents and curing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the epoxy compound reacts with amino groups present in the polymer powder or added amine compounds during printing, forming a crosslinked polymer network
Implementation Method 2
A fusing agent is selectively jetted onto the individual build material layers, the fusing agent including water and a radiation absorber... Exposing the powder bed to the energy melts the polymer particles in contact with the radiation absorber
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is drawn to multi-fluid kits for three-dimensional printing, three-dimensional printing kits, and methods of making three-dimensional printed articles. In one example, a multi-fluid kit for three-dimensional printing can include a fusing agent, a first reactive agent, and a second reactive agent. The fusing agent can include water and a radiation absorber. The first reactive agent can include a first liquid vehicle and an epoxy compound having multiple epoxide groups. The second reactive agent can include a second liquid vehicle and an amine compound having multiple amino groups.