PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
- Development of new polymeric materials that can be cured cationically or anionically by PBG or PAG initiated photopolymerisation using LED sources for 3D printing.
- Optimisation of the 3D printing process by determining the relationship between the light absorbed by the photoiniating system, the polymerisation processes (academic secondment), the resolution achieved and the mechanical properties of the 3D printed device.
- Characterization of the photocured polymeric materials and 3D printed objects.
- Obtaining of at least one 3D printed material that is more sustainable than the selected benchmark and has comparable performances.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
- Protocols for the preparation and characterisation of new ionic photopolymers by cationic or anionic processes with the most suitable photoinitiators.
- 3D printed photopolymers with optimised resolution by ionic photopolymerisation using LED sources designed to fulfil specific applications.
- Photocured thick samples and samples buried in dark areas with suitable thermo-mechanical properties for their application.
- Setting of an appropriate sustainability metrics, and sustainability assessment of the new materials and prototypes.
- Trained researcher expert in ionic photopolymerisation with skills in 3D printing, also acquired during secondments.
PLANNED SECONDMENTS:
- Host 1: MUL (AT), supervisor: W. Kern, timing: month 23, length: 6 months. Purpose: exploring the efficiency of the PAG and PBG photoinitiators.
- Host 2: MICROLA (IT), supervisor: P. Sirianni, timing: month 36, length: 3 months. Purpose: application of the developed ionic photocurable resins in additive manufacturing.
*Enrolment in Doctoral degree: at UHA. Prof. C. Croutxé-Barghorn will act as supervisor and Prof. X. Allonas as co-supervisor.