Invention:
This invention is a thermally curable silsesquioxane based resin used for direct write creation of optics and 3D additive manufacturing. The resin is cured through the inclusion of a ketone and tertiary amine that react with the light from a laser. This leads to crosslinking which aids the gelation and vitrification before the viscous liquid can spread.
Background:
Direct writing for optics and 3D additive printing offers a more precise and efficient method of manufacturing small scale optoelectronic and dental systems. The present invention is a cost effective and simple solution for 3D additive manufacturing, specifically stereolithographic (SLA), ultra violet nano-imprint lithographic (UV-NIL), and step-and-flash imprint lithography (SFIL) 3D printing. NIL processes have shown utility in dental and optical components. The incorporation of silsesquioxane based hybrid materials have demonstrated significant improvements in thermal stability, mechanical strength, glass transition temperature, and insolation properties.
Applications:
- Dental Materials
- Photocured adhesives
- 3D stereolithographic printing
- Optoelectronic systems
- Nano imprint lithography
- Step-and-flash imprint lithography
Advantages:
- Reduced viscosity
- Single oligomeric
- No solvent needed
- Permits high and controlled concentrations of initiators
- Faster curing rates than conventional resins
- Eliminates plasticization issues with current resins
- Reduces the likeliness of chemical leaching
- Gel formation capability at low temperatures
