Additive manufacturing, or three-dimensional (3D) printing, is an emerging research field due to its ability to manufacture materials with controlled geometry and properties using computer-based 3D printing technology. Currently, the main challenge with this technology deals with limited materials, or ink, available for processing, specifically in the field of polymers. A specific challenge for using liquid-type polymer feedstock like PDMS is the need for good viscoelastic properties, in particular, high elastic modulus during 3D printing and post-treatment without any sagging or flowing issues of the 3D structure. Thus, the incorporation of fillers to PDMS-based resins becomes an essential prerequisite to turn these into suitable inks for 3D printing applications. Here we address novel 3D printable PDMS-based inks that possess appropriate rheological properties and wide temperature range applicability. The solubility parameter and interaction energy between the components in PDMS-based ink formulations are calculated through the molecular dynamic simulation to predict the ink’s rheological properties. Elastic architectures, which were patterned in a single cubic (SC) structure and a face-centered tetragonal (FCT) structure, were obtained by extrusion from a micro-nozzle using pressurized ink from a syringe, followed by a post-heat treatment to cure the part. The newly developed PDMS-based inks were prepared by mixing PDMS with silica and other fillers to evaluate the effect of fillers on the mechanical properties of the printed pads.<br/>

Development of PDMS-based inks for additive manufacturing

2019 Spring National Meeting

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