Water-Soluble Polyurea Materials for Dimensionally Stable Voxel Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymeric materials lack dimensional stability and solubility in aqueous environments, making it difficult to create water-soluble objects voxel-by-voxel without a mold, and they fail to preserve temperature-sensitive benefit agents during processing.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects using water-soluble polyurea derived from specific polymers and linkers, allowing voxel-by-voxel creation and incorporating temperature-sensitive benefit agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If water-soluble polymers are used to create objects voxel-by-voxel, then the objects can dissolve in aqueous environments to provide utility, but the polymers lack dimensional stability during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining water-soluble polymer chains with crosslinking agents to create a dual-natured material system. The polymer matrix provides water solubility while the crosslinks provide dimensional stability, allowing the material to maintain structural integrity during voxel-by-voxel manufacturing yet dissolve when exposed to aqueous environments for its intended utility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional polymeric materials are used for voxel-by-voxel manufacturing, then dimensional stability is achieved, but the materials cannot be processed at temperatures preserving temperature-sensitive benefit agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and molecular structure of the polymeric material to reduce its melting and processing temperatures. This enables manufacturing at lower temperatures that preserve temperature-sensitive benefit agents while maintaining sufficient dimensional stability through controlled crosslinking and polymer architecture design.
3Ease of manufacture
If water-soluble polymers are used without a constraining mold, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the polymers lack sufficient dimensional stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by incorporating crosslinking structures and stabilizing agents into the polymer material before the manufacturing process. This pre-prepared structural framework provides the dimensional stability needed to maintain voxel integrity during free-form manufacturing without requiring external molds or support structures, thereby enabling manufacturing flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the dissolution rate of water-soluble articles is increased, then utility in aqueous environments is improved, but control over dissolution timing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a tunable dissolution system where the dissolution rate can be dynamically adjusted based on specific application requirements. Through varying crosslink density, polymer composition, and crystalline structure, the material provides controlled dissolution timing while maintaining high solubility utility, allowing optimization for different use cases from rapid dissolution to sustained release.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object includes steps of: a) providing a digital description of the object as a set of voxels; b) sequentially creating an actual set of voxels corresponding to the digital set of voxels; wherein at least one voxel comprises a water-soluble poly urea derived from: i) a polymer or mixture of polymers and a composition ii) selected from the group consisting of: urea, diisocyanate (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate) and mixtures thereof.