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Rheological Properties and 3D Printing Behavior of PCL and DMSO2 Composites for Bio-Scaffold
Jae-Won Jang1, Kyung-Eun Min1, Cheolhee Kim1,2
1Department of Mechanical and Material Engineering, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 25, 2024
Summary
Rheology is crucial for bio 3D printing. This study shows polycaprolactone (PCL) and dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2) composites exhibit shear-thinning behavior, with viscosity impacting print quality and scaffold pore structure.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
- Rheology
Background:
- Rheology significantly influences material flow and layer-by-layer deposition in bio three-dimensional (3D) printing.
- Understanding material behavior is essential for optimizing bio-scaffold fabrication.
- Polycaprolactone (PCL) and dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2) composites are investigated for their potential in bio 3D printing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the rheological and printing behaviors of polycaprolactone (PCL) and dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2) composites.
- To correlate rheological properties with 3D printing performance and scaffold morphology.
- To determine the impact of DMSO2 concentration on PCL composite characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Rheological properties were assessed using a rotational rheometer with frequency sweep tests.
- Printing behavior was investigated using a material extrusion 3D printer at varying temperatures and pressures.
- Viscosity, extrusion velocity, flow rate, and strut diameter were measured and analyzed.
Main Results:
- PCL and PCL/DMSO2 composites displayed liquid-like, shear-thinning behavior between 120-140 °C.
- Increasing DMSO2 concentration (10-30 wt%) significantly reduced zero-shear viscosity (33-74%).
- Extrusion velocity, influenced by viscosity and temperature, directly affected printed line stability and pore structure (irregular, normal, no-pore zones).
Conclusions:
- Rheological properties are critical determinants of bio 3D printing success for PCL/DMSO2 composites.
- Optimizing printing parameters based on rheological data is essential for fabricating high-quality bio-scaffolds.
- This study highlights the importance of rheological characterization for advanced biomaterial extrusion processes.
