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Updated: Jun 28, 2025
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Synthesis of Soft Polysiloxane-urea Elastomers for Intraocular Lens Application
Published on: March 8, 2019
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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.
ACS Polymers Au
|April 15, 2024
Summary
Automated synthesis of polyurethane oligomers was combined with 3D printing to create diverse elastomeric materials. This integration streamlines manufacturing and allows property tuning through controlled synthesis and processing.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Connecting polymer synthesis and processing is crucial for efficient manufacturing of polymeric materials.
- Developing new elastomeric materials with tunable properties remains a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate automated polymer synthesis with vat photopolymerization 3D printing.
- To rapidly manufacture a library of polyurethane-based elastomeric materials.
- To investigate structure-property relationships for property tuning.
Main Methods:
- Automated semicontinuous batch synthesis of acrylate-capped polyurethane oligomers.
- Vat photopolymerization 3D printing for material fabrication.
- Systematic alteration of cross-link density and chemical composition.
Main Results:
- Successful integration of automated synthesis and 3D printing.
- Rapid manufacturing of polyurethane-based elastomers with varied thermal and mechanical properties.
- Demonstrated tunability of material properties via synthesis and formulation control.
Conclusions:
- The integrated approach enables efficient production of custom polymeric materials.
- Automated synthesis is vital for handling reactive resins and ensuring shelf life.
- Precise control over synthesis and processing allows for tailored material performance.
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