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Updated: Jun 28, 2025

Synthesis of Soft Polysiloxane-urea Elastomers for Intraocular Lens Application
Published on: March 8, 2019
Continuous Polymer Synthesis and Manufacturing of Polyurethane Elastomers Enabled by Automation
Johann L Rapp1, Meredith A Borden1, Vittal Bhat1
1Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States.
Abstract:
Connecting polymer synthesis and processing is an important challenge for streamlining the manufacturing of polymeric materials. In this work, the automated synthesis of acrylate-capped polyurethane oligomers is integrated with vat photopolymerization 3D printing. This strategy enabled the rapid manufacturing of a library of polyurethane-based elastomeric materials with differentiated thermal and mechanical properties. The automated semicontinuous batch synthesis approach proved enabling for resins with otherwise short shelf lives because of the intimate connection between synthesis, formulation, and processing. Structure-property studies demonstrated the ability to tune properties through systematic alteration of cross-link density and chemical composition.
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