Aliphatic silicone‐epoxy based hybrid photopolymers applied in stereolithography 3D printing

Abstract

3D Printing has become a powerful technology for future advanced manufacturing, however the choice of materials with good performance is still limited. In this research, a type of hybrid photopolymer resin based on silicone epoxy with high UV curing rate and low viscosity was applied in stereolithography (SLA) technology. First, aliphatic silicone epoxy was synthesized through hydrosilylation reaction, and then compounding with acrylates, cycloaliphatic epoxy and photo‐initiators, finally the hybrid photopolymer system for SLA was obtained. The features of UV curing process were studied through photo‐differential scanning calorimetry and real‐time Fourier transform infrared measurements. Scanning electron microscopy test showed interpenetrating polymer network structure was formed in 3D objects. The performances of 3D printed sample such as mechanical properties, thermal mechanical and stability properties were also investigated in detail. Moreover, the 3D printed objects with complicated structures showed high printing accuracy. This new type of hybrid photopolymer system based on aliphatic silicone epoxy was with fabrication ease, good mechanical properties, good thermal stability and high printing resolution and has great potential of applications in industrial design and models making fields.