Self-Assembly Monomer Thermoset Ink Rheology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies face challenges in achieving tunable viscoelastic properties for thermosets, limiting the versatility and quality of printed structures due to the lack of rheological tunability in existing printable inks and design rules.
Innovation Solution
A formulation comprising an epoxy monomer, a self-assembly monomer with reactive moieties, a curative monomer, and an optional filler, which undergoes self-assembly to create reversible supramolecular interactions, allowing for controlled rheological performance and improved printing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional printable inks are used for 3D printing thermosets, then the printing process can be performed, but the viscoelastic properties cannot be tuned and structural integrity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the printable ink by incorporating self-assembling monomers with specific functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, amine) that form reversible supramolecular interactions. By adjusting the concentration and type of these monomers, the viscoelastic properties can be tuned while maintaining structural integrity through the dynamic bonding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite formulation combining conventional epoxy monomers with self-assembling monomers that provide tunable viscoelasticity. This composite approach allows the system to exhibit both the structural properties of thermosets and the rheological tunability needed for high-quality 3D printing.
2Strength
If thermosets with high structural integrity are used, then printed objects maintain strength, but the rheological performance for printing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic reversible supramolecular interactions that allow the material to adapt its rheological properties during printing. The self-assembling monomers form and break bonds dynamically, providing flowability during deposition while maintaining structural integrity once printed, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and printability.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-assembling monomers undergo phase transitions in their association state based on temperature and concentration, allowing the formulation to transition between a more fluid state during printing and a stronger gel-like state during curing, thereby achieving both good rheological performance and structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If printable inks are designed for specific uses, then printing can be performed, but general design rules are lacking and versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal printable ink formulation based on self-assembling monomers that can be applied to various 3D printing structures and configurations. The modular nature of the supramolecular interactions allows the same base formulation to be adapted for different printing applications, establishing general design rules for thermoset printing.
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 formulation enables the production of 3D printed objects with enhanced viscoelastic properties, allowing for better structural integrity and shape retention at various temperatures, facilitating more versatile and high-quality printing outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
chemical components that undergo self-assembly to promote spontaneous and reversible organization of molecular units into ordered structures via non-covalent interactions
Implementation Method 2
the self-assembly monomer provides a thermoset having beneficial viscoelastic properties for printing methodologies
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to formulations including a self-assembly monomer. In particular embodiments, the self-assembly monomer provides a thermoset having beneficial viscoelastic properties for printing methodologies. Methods of making and using such formulations are also provided.