Photocurable Composition with Carbon Nanotubes for Stereolithography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photocurable compositions used in stereolithography do not possess sufficient mechanical properties, limiting the performance of shaped products.
Innovation Solution
A photocurable composition comprising a urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer, a vinyl monomer with specific glass transition temperatures, and carbon nanotubes, where the carbon nanotubes are incorporated in a specific mass ratio to enhance mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional photocurable composition is used for stereolithography, then the shaping process can be completed, but the mechanical properties of the cured product are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining carbon nanotubes with photocurable resin components (urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer and vinyl monomer). The carbon nanotubes serve as reinforcing fillers that significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the cured product while maintaining the photocurable characteristics needed for stereolithography. This composite approach directly addresses the insufficient mechanical properties of conventional photocurable compositions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by carefully controlling the glass transition temperatures of the vinyl monomers (Tg1: -100°C to 10°C, Tg2: 70°C to 150°C) and optimizing the carbon nanotube content (0.01-0.35 parts by mass per 100 parts of total oligomer and monomer). These parameter optimizations ensure both processability during stereolithography and enhanced mechanical properties in the final product.
2Strength
If carbon nanotube is added to enhance mechanical properties, then strength and hardness improve, but viscosity of the composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the carbon nanotube content parameter to a specific range (0.01-0.35 parts by mass per 100 parts of total oligomer and monomer). This controlled addition level provides sufficient mechanical reinforcement while preventing excessive viscosity increase that would hinder stereolithography processing. The patent also specifies appropriate glass transition temperature ranges for the vinyl monomers to maintain proper flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes within the photocurable composition through proper mixing and formulation. This localized uniform distribution prevents agglomeration that would cause localized viscosity spikes, ensuring the composition maintains adequate flowability for stereolithography while still providing mechanical enhancement throughout the cured product.
3Strength
If carbon nanotube content is increased to improve mechanical properties, then hardness and tensile strength increase, but the composition becomes difficult to process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines a precise carbon nanotube content range (0.01-0.35 parts by mass per 100 parts of total oligomer and monomer) that balances mechanical property enhancement with processability. Within this range, the composition maintains suitable viscosity and flow characteristics for stereolithography while achieving the desired hardness and tensile strength in the cured product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by adding carbon nanotubes at relatively low concentrations (0.01-0.35 parts by mass) rather than high loadings. This partial addition is sufficient to achieve the required mechanical property improvements without causing excessive viscosity increase or processing difficulties, demonstrating that minimal reinforcement is adequate for the application.
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 results in shaped products with improved mechanical properties, such as increased hardness and tensile strength, making them suitable for applications requiring rubber elasticity.
Implementation Method 1
a photocurable composition comprising: a urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer, a vinyl monomer including a first monomer having a glass transition temperature (Tg1) of −100° C. or more and 10° C. or less and a second monomer having a glass transition temperature (Tg2) of 70° C. or more and 150° C. or less, and a carbon nanotube
Implementation Method 2
a vinyl monomer including a first monomer having a glass transition temperature (Tg1) of −100° C. or more and 10° C. or less and a second monomer having a glass transition temperature (Tg2) of 70° C. or more and 150° C. or less
Implementation Method 3
a photocurable composition comprising: a urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a photocurable composition from which a molded product having excellent mechanical properties is obtained. The present disclosure provides a photocurable composition comprising: a urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer, a vinyl monomer including a first monomer having a glass transition temperature (Tg1) of −100° C. or more and 10° C. or less and a second monomer having a glass transition temperature (Tg2) of 70° C. or more and 150° C. or less, and a carbon nanotube, wherein the photocurable composition comprises the carbon nanotube in an amount ranging from 0.01 part by mass to 0.35 part by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of a total amount of the urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer and the vinyl monomer.