Polyglycerol Fatty Acid Ester Composition for 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polyglycerol fatty acid esters used in hot melt coating processes are not suitable for 3D printing due to instability in shape and storage, and the addition of pharmaceutical or cosmetic active substances can alter physical properties, leading to brittleness and non-uniform quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising polyglycerol fatty acid esters, free polyglycerols, and polyglycerol fatty acid monoesters with specific hydroxyl values and melting points, allowing for controlled elasticity and stability, enabling successful 3D printing and maintaining shape stability during storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If polyglycerol fatty acid esters are used for hot melt coating, then solvent-free coating is achieved, but the material cannot be directly used for 3D printing due to shape instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system combining polyglycerol fatty acid esters with specific polyethylene glycols and optional co-surfactants. This composite formulation maintains the solvent-free advantage while achieving adequate shape stability for 3D printing through synergistic interactions between components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies key parameters including HLB value (requiring >8), molecular weight ranges of polyethylene glycol, and surfactant composition to transform the material properties from unsuitable to suitable for 3D printing while maintaining shape stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If pharmaceutical or cosmetic active substances are admixed with the substrate, then product functionality is improved, but physical properties change leading to brittleness and non-uniform quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the surfactant HLB value and polyethylene glycol molecular weight to create a more flexible matrix that can accommodate active substances without becoming brittle, maintaining mechanical strength despite admixture
Solution Approach 2:
The surfactant system acts as an intermediary between the active substances and the polyglycerol fatty acid ester matrix, ensuring uniform distribution and preventing phase separation that would lead to non-uniform quality and brittleness
3Ease of operation
If the starting material is softened by heating for 3D printing, then processability through nozzle is improved, but shape stability of the printed article deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes controlled phase transition properties by selecting materials with appropriate melting points and solidification behaviors, enabling the material to transition from solid to melt state during printing, then rapidly solidify to maintain shape stability of the printed article
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 ensures stable shape and storage properties, allowing for the incorporation of active substances and additives without brittleness, enabling efficient 3D printing with improved processability and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
starting materials are required which have to be sufficiently softened or fluidified by heating for them to be able to be forced through a print head nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a polyglycerol fatty acid ester-containing composition which has the following three components, namely: first, polyglycerol fatty acid esters that can be obtained by esterifying polyglycerols, which have 2 to IO glycerol units, with fatty acids with 12 to 22 carbon atoms; second, free poly glycerols, which have 2 to IO glycerol units; and third, polyglycerol fatty acid monoesters, which have 2 to IO glycerol units and fatty acid groups with 12 to 22 carbon atoms. The composition is suitable in particular for use in starting materials for a 3D printing method and can be readily combined with cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active ingredients or other substances. The invention also relates to methods for producing corresponding starting materials for a likewise described 3D printing method and to molded bodies which can be produced using same.