Polyesteramide 3D Printing Filament Composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D printing materials, such as ABS, release toxic residual monomers and are not sustainable, limiting the selection of materials with desirable physical properties for various applications, and there is a need for environmentally friendly options.

Innovation Solution

Development of polyesteramides comprising diamine, diol, and terephthalate monomer units, synthesized from recycled plastics and bio-based monomers, which can be used to create filaments suitable for FDM 3D printing, offering improved elongation, fatigue resistance, and environmental sustainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If ABS material is used for 3D printing, then printing capability is achieved, but toxic residual monomers are released

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting capabilityVSAvoidtoxic residual monomers
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing ABS with polyesteramide containing diamine, diol, and terephthalate monomer units in specific ratios (1-30, 1-30, and 62-89 mole percent respectively). This compositional parameter change eliminates toxic monomer release while maintaining FDM printing capability through controlled glass transition temperature (50-95°C) and melting properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite polyesteramide material combining three different monomer units (diamine, diol, and terephthalate) in specific proportions. This composite structure provides both the environmental benefit of eliminating toxic emissions and the functional benefit of suitable printing characteristics, resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If Nylon-6 and 12 polyamide resins are used, then printing capability is achieved, but environmental sustainability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental sustainability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the material composition by using polyesteramide with specific monomer ratios and controlled glass transition temperature (50-95°C), replacing conventional Nylon-6 and 12. This parameter change maintains FDM printing capability while improving environmental sustainability through reduced ecological footprint and enhanced biodegradability of the polyesteramide structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If more diamine monomer unit is added to improve mechanical properties, then elongation at break increases, but glass transition temperature shifts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelongation at breakVSAvoidglass transition temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically adjusts the mole percent of diamine monomer units (1-30%) while simultaneously adjusting diol and terephthalate content to maintain glass transition temperature within the 50-95°C range. This multi-parameter optimization allows achieving desired elongation at break and mechanical properties while keeping the glass transition temperature suitable for FDM printing applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 polyesteramides provide a wide range of physical characteristics, are over 80% derived from sustainable sources, and exhibit superior mechanical properties, making them suitable for FDM 3D printing while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

the polyesteramide has a glass transition temperature (Tg) in a range from about 50° C. to about 95° C.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGlass transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS9962922B2Polyesteramide for 3D printing
Publication Date: 2018.05.08 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A polyesteramide for use in 3D printing includes about 1 to about 30 mole percent of a diamine monomer unit, a diol monomer unit, and a terephthalate monomer unit, the polyesteramide having a glass transition temperature (Tg) in a range from about 50° C. to about 95° C.