Semi-crystalline and amorphous materials via multi-temperature 3D printing from one formulation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Multi-material 3D printing typically requires multiple feedstocks for distinct material properties.
• Achieving varied properties in a single part often necessitates complex engineering solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for creating multi-material 3D printed photopolymer parts from a single monomer mixture.
• To demonstrate property control through simple adjustments in printing parameters.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a liquid crystalline (LC) monomer and a trifunctional thiol crosslinker.
• Manipulated printing temperature and light intensity during the polymerization process.
• Translated bulk experimental findings to 3D printing with pixel-to-pixel resolution of material properties.

Main Results:

• Achieved drastic changes in mechanical and optical properties based on the presence of an LC phase during polymerization.
• Successfully translated bulk property control to 3D printed parts.
• Demonstrated precise control over material properties by adjusting temperature and light intensity.

Conclusions:

• A novel approach to multi-material 3D printing using a single LC monomer mixture was established.
• Printing parameters (temperature, light intensity) effectively control material properties at a high resolution.
• The developed technique offers versatility for applications in shape memory, data storage, and encryption.