UV-Curable Hydrogel Ink Composition for Stronger 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies using hydrogels face challenges with mechanical properties, as they are weak to external forces due to high moisture content, and struggle to incorporate various materials simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printing ink composition comprising a pluronic copolymer, acrylamide monomer, alkali metal salt, and solvent, which forms a network structure to enhance mechanical properties like elastic modulus and ultimate tensile strength through a UV curing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogel is used as 3D printing material, then biocompatibility is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates due to high moisture content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite hydrogel system combining pluronic copolymer (P105) with acrylamide monomer and crosslinking agent. This composite structure allows the material to maintain biocompatibility while achieving sufficient mechanical strength through the synergistic interaction between different polymer components and crosslinking networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including pluronic copolymer content (1-10 wt%), crosslinking agent content (0.1-5 wt%), and acrylamide monomer content (5-50 wt%). By precisely controlling these compositional parameters, the material achieves both biocompatibility and improved mechanical properties suitable for 3D printing applications.
2Ease of operation
If hydrogel is used for 3D printing, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates due to weakness against external force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a photoinitiator and crosslinking agent in the ink composition before printing. During UV irradiation, these components immediately trigger crosslinking reactions that pre-establish a stable network structure, preventing structural collapse and maintaining shape fidelity during and after the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes photo-induced phase transition where the hydrogel ink transforms from a fluid state during printing to a crosslinked gel state upon UV irradiation. This phase change occurs rapidly during the printing process, enabling the material to maintain structural stability while preserving ease of extrusion and deposition.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional hydrogel ink is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but mechanical properties of molded article deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single ink composition: pluronic copolymer for biocompatibility, acrylamide monomer for structural framework, crosslinking agent for mechanical reinforcement, and photoinitiator for curing. This integrated formulation achieves improved mechanical properties without complicating the manufacturing process, as all components are mixed together in one step.
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 provides improved mechanical properties, allowing stable 3D printing at room temperature and forming articles with enhanced elastic modulus and ultimate tensile strength, suitable for applications requiring structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a 3D printing ink composition which includes a hydrogel that is a biocompatible polymer, and a certain amount of an alkali metal salt, so that a molded article formed by curing the composition may secure mechanical properties
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a 3D printing ink composition including a pluronic copolymer, an acrylamide monomer, an alkali metal salt and a solvent, and a 3D printing molded article formed by curing the ink composition.