ROMP Catalyst Materials for Latent, Rapid Curing in Inkjet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ROMP technologies face challenges with rapid curing at ambient conditions, poor latency, and slow cure times, limiting their application in inkjet 3D printing due to unsuitable viscosity, surface tension, and flash point, as well as oxygen sensitivity of photo-activated systems.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a ring-opening-metathesis-polymerization (ROMP) precursor, a curing catalyst, and a free radical initiator, which can be activated by irradiation, providing high latency and rapid polymerization suitable for inkjet 3D printing with improved oxygen sensitivity and reduced corrosiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ROMP precursor is used for 3D printing, then polymerization speed is improved, but latency is poor and cure time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a latent curing catalyst that remains inactive during storage and printing, then activates rapidly upon exposure to specific stimuli (light, heat, or chemical triggers). This allows the ROMP precursor to maintain stability during inkjet printing while enabling fast curing immediately after deposition, resolving the contradiction between slow cure time and high polymerization speed.
2Productivity
If photo-activated ROMP system is used, then curing speed is improved, but oxygen sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by offering multiple activation modes (photoinitiation, thermoinitiation, or chemoinitiation) for the latent curing catalyst. This allows selection of the appropriate activation method based on application requirements, enabling fast curing while reducing oxygen sensitivity when photoinitiation is not necessary. The system can switch between activation parameters to optimize both curing speed and reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If rapid curing is achieved, then layer planarization accuracy is improved, but material properties become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining ROMP precursor with a latent curing catalyst system that provides both rapid activation capability and excellent final material properties. The catalyst system is designed to enable fast curing for layer planarization while simultaneously ensuring the cured material achieves superior mechanical properties, toughness, and chemical resistance characteristic of ROMP polymers.
4Productivity
If ROMP formulation is used for inkjet printing, then polymerization speed is improved, but viscosity and surface tension become unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by formulating the ROMP precursor with specific viscosity modifiers and surface tension controllers that maintain the material within inkjet printable parameters (viscosity 0.5-150 cP at 90°C, appropriate surface tension) while preserving the rapid polymerization capability upon catalyst activation.
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
Enables high-speed, low-viscosity, and low-particulate 3D printing with fast curing kinetics, reducing oxygen sensitivity and mold corrosion, and producing materials with lower dispersity and enhanced mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
A combination of a ring-opening-metathesis-polymerization (ROMP) precursor, a curing catalyst, and a free radical initiator, which can be activated by irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to materials for radical-initiated activation of a latent catalyst for ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The present disclosure also relates to uses of the materials, e.g., in 3D printing.