About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2025 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2025)
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Symposium
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2025 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2025)
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Presentation Title |
Rheology Modification and Reinforcement of True Silicone Resins for Vat Photopolymerization |
Author(s) |
Martha Leach, Hongtao Song, Roxana Carbonell, Carolyn Seepersad |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Martha Leach |
Abstract Scope |
Interest in additively manufacturable silicone is growing due to the material’s durability, wide temperature range, and biocompatibility. However, the existing commercial options for photocurable silicone-like materials either exhibit poor aging and mechanical properties or are not true silicones, meaning they lack the same durability and biocompatibility. This research focuses on developing true silicones for vat photopolymerization (VPP). Prior research has resulted in strong, long-lasting true silicones for VPP, but, in an uncured state, these materials are too viscous to be printed on commercial VPP printers because they use fumed silica as a reinforcing filler. Fillers are used to strengthen and stiffen cured silicones because unfilled silicone is weak and exhibits poor tear strength, but these fillers typically increase the viscosity of the uncured resin. By balancing different reinforcing fillers with opposing effects on rheology, this research takes a step towards high-quality true silicones that can be printed with commercial VPP. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Post-meeting proceedings |