Photocurable Composition for Stereolithography Mechanical Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photocurable compositions used in stereolithography do not possess adequate mechanical properties, limiting the strength and durability of the shaped products produced.

Innovation Solution

A photocurable composition comprising a urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer and a vinyl monomer, where the vinyl monomer includes a first monomer with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of −100° C. or more and 20° C. or less, and a second monomer with a Tg of more than 20° C. and 150° C. or less, with specific ratios of these components to achieve enhanced mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional photocurable composition is used for stereolithography, then the shaping process can be completed, but the cured product does not have adequate mechanical properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidadequacy of mechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite resin composition comprising multiple components: a specific polyol (with hydroxyl value 30-100 mg KOH/g and number average molecular weight 200-1000), a polyisocyanate, and a (meth)acrylate monomer. This composite material system resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties to achieve both adequate mechanical strength and reliability in the cured product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the polyol components (hydroxyl value 30-100 mg KOH/g, number average molecular weight 200-1000) to optimize the balance between mechanical properties and reliability. By controlling these parameters within specific ranges, the cured product achieves both adequate strength and reliable performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the resin composition is optimized for mechanical strength, then the cured product gains strength, but the complexity of composition formulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidcomposition formulation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines specific parameter ranges for resin components (polyol hydroxyl value 30-100 mg KOH/g, number average molecular weight 200-1000) that balance mechanical strength achievement with formulation simplicity. These parameter specifications provide clear guidelines for composition design without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent focuses on optimizing specific local properties of the resin components (hydroxyl value and molecular weight of polyol) rather than controlling all possible composition variables. This targeted approach to local quality parameters achieves mechanical strength while keeping the overall formulation manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 a cured product with improved mechanical strength, elasticity, and reduced glass transition temperature, making it suitable for applications requiring rubber-like properties and excellent mechanical performance.

Implementation Method 1

containing a urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer and a vinyl monomer... a photopolymerization initiator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20230091783A1Photocurable composition and shaped product formed from the same
Publication Date: 2023.03.23 SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES LTD

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 containing a urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer and a vinyl monomer, wherein the vinyl monomer includes a first monomer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of −100° C. or more and 20° C. or less, and a second monomer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of more than 20° C. and 150° C. or less, an amount of the urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer ranges from 20 mass % to 80 mass %, an amount of the first monomer ranges from 15 mass % to 75 mass %, an amount of the second monomer ranges from 5 mass % to 65 mass %, and a total amount of the urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer and the vinyl monomer is 100 mass %.