Invention of Photocurable Surface-Eroding Resins for Applications in 3D Printing

Author: Whytneigh R. Duffie, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Mentor: Kevin Barz, Department of Materials Engineering and Science

Mentor: Dr. Tsvetanka Filipova, Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences

Mentor: Timothy Brenza, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Mentor: Travis Walker, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to produce personalized 3D parts on demand with minimal supplies and specific functionalities. Several types of 3D printing exist with all types providing specific benefits and undesirable trade-offs that are prominent when deciphering the most suitable method of printing parts for a specific application. Photocurable resins, typically consisting of a combination of multi-functional monomers and oligomers, a photoinitiator, and an optical absorber, are formulated for a wide array of applications in 3D printing.

A novel synthesis protocol is being utilized for the production of surface-eroding methacrylated anhydride oligomers that later react to form crosslinked networks during the 3D-printing process and readily degrade in the presence of water. Addition of particular constituents in the reaction mechanism at different stages influences the physiochemical behavior of the oligomer in unique environments by incorporating different degrees of hydrophobicity into the oligomer backbone. Further incorporation of the methacrylated anhydride oligomers into unique resin formulations provides for high resolution 3D printable acrylic-based resin formulations that chemically degrade in the presence of water. Chemical degradation leads to surface-erosion of the 3D print, which provides ample opportunity for a wide-array of applications.