Liquid-Crystal Photopolymers for Stereolithography

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9420357 Chartoff This research deals with a family of diacrylate liquid crystalline monomers that can be photopolymerized to produce functional parts in the stereolithography process. These materials will be designed to have low shrinkage approaching zero) when polymerized in the ordered state; will maintain their order after polymerization so as to retain preferential anisotropy; and will have glass transitions (Tg) approaching 200C because of their rigid rod segmental structures, orientation, and high degree of crosslinking. The project will have two major objectives: The synthesis and characterization of liquid crystalline diacrylates and process optimization and construction of model parts in the stereolithography process with layered molecular alignment directions similar to ply orientation in continuous-fiber composites. These may be referred to as "self-reinforcing" composites. The appropriate orientation sequences will be determined by a part design incorporating stress analysis This is an interdisciplinary project in the Rapid Prototyping Initiative involving personnel with backgrounds in chemical and materials engineering, chemistry, and physics. It also will involve a collaboration between the University of Dayton and Case Western Reserve University. The research emphasis will be on the engineering aspects of materials processing in stereolithography. The University research team will work with an advisory group of individuals from industry who have a direct interest in the outcome of the project. ***