3D printing, or additive manufacturing, provides diverse opportunities to create previously unattainable geometric structures through a layer-by-layer process. Harnessing macromolecular structures and chemistries, along with the method of printing, demonstrated successful 3D part generation tunable to particular applications. First, microstereolithography of poly(amic diethyl acrylate ester)s yielded soft 3D organogels. Upon thermal imidization, this organogel transforms into a 3D structured thermoplastic polyimide which is unachievable in conventional manufacturing. Furthermore, the backbone of the polyimide exhibited versatility through processing of both rigid-rod, insoluble thermoplastics and amorphous, melt-processable thermoplastics.<br/>The versatility of 3D printing provides structural resolution of poly(ether ester) ionomers through low temperature material extrusion for the inclusion of biologics. Typical melt polymerization of poly(ether ester) ionomers from poly(ethylene glycol) and sulfonated isophthalate provided large volumes of water-soluble polymer capable of complete ion exchange. The incorporation of divalent counterions such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc provide an increase in melt viscosity necessary for low temperature material extrusion 3D printing. Filament of poly(ether ester) ionomers with a calcium counterion revealed successful, flexible filament for subsequent processing. 3D printed structures maintain shape upon printing with no oozing from the nozzle, successfully demonstrating material extrusion from filament for the first time below 80 °C. By tuning polymer structure, printing type, and printing parameters, diverse structures for vastly different applications can be easily created.

Nurturing the industry-academia partnership: From 3D printing of polyimides to water-soluble ionomers

254th National Meeting (2017)

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