Thermoplastic Polyester for 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies face limitations with available plastic materials, particularly thermoplastic polymers, due to issues such as high processing temperatures, shrinkage, and insufficient impact resistance, which restrict the range of applications and properties of 3D printing objects.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic polyester composition comprising 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol units, alicyclic diol units, and terephthalic acid units, with a specific molar ratio and reduced viscosity, is used to create 3D printing objects, offering improved mechanical and thermal properties without the need for ethylene glycol, thus expanding the range of usable polymers and enhancing object stability and impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ABS polymer is used for 3D printing, then mechanical strength is improved, but processing temperature requirements increase and shrinkage causes defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the polyester by controlling the molar ratio of isosorbide to alicyclic diol units and adjusting the inherent viscosity to achieve optimal balance between mechanical strength and processing characteristics, eliminating the need for high processing temperatures while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite polyester structure combining isosorbide units (for thermal stability and low shrinkage) with alicyclic diol units (for impact resistance), achieving a material that simultaneously provides mechanical strength and ease of processing without requiring extreme temperatures
2Temperature
If PLA polymer is used for 3D printing, then processing temperature requirements are reduced, but glass transition temperature is too low for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the glass transition temperature by incorporating isosorbide units which contribute rigid cyclic structures to the polymer chain, raising the Tg above 60°C while maintaining processing temperatures below 200°C through optimized molecular weight and composition ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces localized rigid segments (isosorbide units) within the polymer chain at specific concentrations (1-60 mol%) to elevate the glass transition temperature in critical regions while preserving overall processability through the flexible alicyclic diol segments
3Stability of the object's composition
If isosorbide-based polyester is used to improve thermal stability, then glass transition temperature increases, but impact resistance becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite polyester system where isosorbide units (1-60 mol%) provide thermal stability and glass transition temperature elevation, while alicyclic diol units (40-99 mol%) contribute impact resistance through their flexible cyclic structures, achieving synergistic performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention distributes isosorbide units at controlled local concentrations within the polyester chain, creating rigid segments for thermal stability while maintaining flexible alicyclic diol regions for impact absorption, optimizing both properties simultaneously
4Ease of manufacture
If ethylene glycol is added to improve polymerization kinetics, then manufacturing ease increases, but the polyester contains non-cyclic aliphatic diol motifs that reduce performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes non-cyclic aliphatic diol motifs (ethylene glycol) from the polyester composition entirely, relying solely on cyclic diols (isosorbide and alicyclic diols) to achieve both acceptable polymerization kinetics and superior performance characteristics, eliminating the compromise entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional ethylene glycol-based systems with isosorbide-based polyester that achieves adequate viscosity and processability through controlled inherent viscosity (0.2-2.0 dL/g) without requiring additional non-cyclic diol extenders, maintaining performance integrity
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 thermoplastic polyester provides 3D printing objects with enhanced mechanical properties, thermal resistance, and transparency, while eliminating the need for high processing temperatures and reducing shrinkage, thereby broadening the applications of 3D printing materials.
Implementation Method 1
thermoplastic polyester comprising: at least one 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol motif (A); at least one alicyclic diol motif (B) other than the 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol motifs (A); at least one terephthalic acid motif (C)
Data Source
AI summary
Use of a thermoplastic polyester for producing 3D-printed objects, said polyester having at least one 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol unit (A), at least one alicyclic diol unit (B) other than the 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol units (A), at least one terephthalic acid unit (C), wherein the ratio (A)/[(A) + (B)] is at least 0.05 and at most 0.75, said polyester being free of non-cyclic aliphatic diol units or comprising a molar amount of non-cyclic aliphatic diol units, relative to the totality of monomeric units in the polyester, of less than 5%, and with a reduced viscosity in solution (25° C; phenol (50 wt.%): ortho-dichlorobenzene (50 wt.%); 5 g/L of polyester) greater than 50 mL/g.