Limonene-Based Acrylates for 3D Printing Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photocurable compositions for 3D printing lack sustainable alternatives that offer high stiffness and glass transition temperatures while maintaining low viscosity, which is crucial for efficient photopolymerization processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of limonene-based (meth)acrylates, obtained by reacting specific compounds in the presence of a catalyst and inhibitor at elevated temperatures, which are then used in photocurable compositions to enhance stiffness and glass transition temperatures, providing a sustainable and low-viscosity solution for 3D printing applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If aromatic or bisphenol A based compounds are used to increase stiffness and glass transition temperatures, then the mechanical properties are improved, but the viscosity remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameter by replacing aromatic rings and bisphenol A groups with limonene-based cyclic structures. This structural modification maintains the rigid backbone necessary for high stiffness and glass transition temperature while the cyclic limonene structure provides lower molecular weight and reduced intermolecular interactions, resulting in lower viscosity compared to conventional aromatic compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite molecular structure by combining the rigid limonene cyclic scaffold with flexible acrylate side chains. This composite approach allows the rigid core to provide mechanical strength and high glass transition temperature, while the flexible acrylate groups reduce overall molecular packing efficiency and intermolecular forces, thereby reducing viscosity and improving processability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sustainable alternatives are sought to replace aromatic compounds, then environmental compatibility is improved, but achieving high stiffness and low viscosity simultaneously becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs limonene, a renewable terpene derived from citrus waste, as a sustainable replacement for petroleum-based aromatic compounds. The limonene-based acrylate monomers provide the necessary mechanical properties for 3D printing applications while being derived from renewable resources, thus achieving both sustainability and performance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameter by substituting non-renewable aromatic hydrocarbons with renewable limonene-based structures. This parameter change maintains the rigid cyclic structure necessary for high glass transition temperature and stiffness, while the renewable origin provides environmental sustainability without sacrificing mechanical performance
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 limonene-based (meth)acrylates significantly increase the stiffness and glass transition temperatures of photo-cured acrylate compositions, offering a sustainable alternative to aromatic or bisphenol A-based compounds with lower viscosity, thus improving the performance and processability in 3D printing.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the photocurable composition to actinic radiation to form a cured crossection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to photocurable compositions, comprising a limonene-based (meth)acrylate (A) obtainable by reacting a) 1 equivalent of a compound of formula, especially (I) with 1 to 3 equivalents of a compound of formula (II) in the presence of a catalyst and an inhibitor at elevated temperature and its use in a photopolymerization 3D printing process. The limonene-based (meth)acrylate (A) significantly increases stiffness and glass transition temperatures of photo-cured acrylate compositions. While such effects are usually achieved with the use of aromatic or bisphenol A based compounds, the limonene-based (meth)acrylate (A) offers a sustainable alternative at much lower viscosity.