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Flow-induced polymer degradation during ink-jet printing
Khalid A-Alamry1, Keith Nixon, Rachel Hindley
1Organic Materials Innovation Centre, School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|March 25, 2011
Summary
Inkjet printing can degrade polymers like PMMA and PS due to flow. This molecular weight degradation is most significant for intermediate molecular weights and higher polydispersity, impacting functional material deposition.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Rheology
Background:
- Inkjet printing is a versatile deposition technique.
- Polymer solutions are used in inkjet printing for various applications.
- Understanding polymer behavior under printing conditions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate flow-induced polymer degradation during inkjet printing.
- To identify molecular weight and solution parameters influencing degradation.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of polymer chain scission.
Main Methods:
- Inkjet printing of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) solutions.
- Analysis of polymer molecular weight changes post-printing.
- Varying polymer molecular weights, concentrations, and polydispersity.
Main Results:
- Evidence of flow-induced polymer degradation for PMMA and PS in good solvent.
- No degradation observed for polymers with Mw < 100 kDa or Mw > 1,000 kDa.
- Intermediate molecular weights showed greatest degradation at high strain rates and low concentrations.
- Higher polydispersity polymers were more susceptible to degradation.
Conclusions:
- Flow-induced polymer degradation occurs during inkjet printing.
- Polymer molecular weight and polydispersity significantly influence degradation.
- Degradation mechanisms depend on polymer characteristics and printing conditions.
