University of Virginia Patent Foundation (20240239941). ULTRASOFT, STRETCHABLE, REVERSIBLE ELASTOMERS FOR DIRECT-WRITE PRINTING DEFORMABLE STRUCTURES simplified abstract
Contents
ULTRASOFT, STRETCHABLE, REVERSIBLE ELASTOMERS FOR DIRECT-WRITE PRINTING DEFORMABLE STRUCTURES
Organization Name
University of Virginia Patent Foundation
Inventor(s)
Liheng Cai of Charlottesville VA (US)
Shifeng Nian of Charlottesville VA (US)
Jinchang Zhu of Charlottesville VA (US)
ULTRASOFT, STRETCHABLE, REVERSIBLE ELASTOMERS FOR DIRECT-WRITE PRINTING DEFORMABLE STRUCTURES - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240239941 titled 'ULTRASOFT, STRETCHABLE, REVERSIBLE ELASTOMERS FOR DIRECT-WRITE PRINTING DEFORMABLE STRUCTURES
The abstract discusses the development of a new class of 3D printable, ultra-soft, and stretchable elastomers using responsive bottlebrush-based triblock copolymers. These elastomers are physically crosslinked networks that are stimuli-reversible, allowing for in-situ direct-write printing of soft, elastic, and deformable 3D structures. They are solvent-reprocessable and thermostable, with an extensibility up to 600% and a Young's modulus lower than 10 Pa.
- Elastomers created from bottlebrush-based triblock copolymers
- Physically crosslinked networks that are stimuli-reversible
- Suitable for in-situ direct-write printing of soft, elastic, and deformable 3D structures
- Solvent-reprocessable and thermostable
- Extensibility up to 600% and Young's modulus lower than 10 Pa
Potential Applications: - Soft robotics - Wearable technology - Biomedical devices - Flexible electronics - Customized prosthetics
Problems Solved: - Lack of soft and stretchable feedstock for additive manufacturing - Limited options for creating deformable 3D structures - Difficulty in recycling and reprocessing elastomers
Benefits: - Enhanced flexibility and stretchability in 3D printing - Improved comfort and functionality in wearable devices - Increased customization and adaptability in product design - Sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing processes
Commercial Applications: Title: "Revolutionizing Additive Manufacturing with Ultra-Soft Elastomers" This technology can revolutionize the additive manufacturing industry by enabling the production of soft, elastic, and deformable 3D structures for various applications such as soft robotics, wearable technology, biomedical devices, and flexible electronics. The market implications include increased demand for customized prosthetics, improved comfort in wearable devices, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Questions about Ultra-Soft Elastomers: 1. How do ultra-soft elastomers compare to traditional stiff plastics in terms of flexibility and stretchability? Ultra-soft elastomers offer significantly higher flexibility and stretchability compared to traditional stiff plastics, making them ideal for applications requiring deformable 3D structures. 2. What are the potential environmental benefits of using solvent-reprocessable elastomers in additive manufacturing? Solvent-reprocessable elastomers offer the advantage of being recyclable and environmentally friendly, reducing waste and promoting sustainability in manufacturing processes.
Original Abstract Submitted
existing feedstock for additive manufacturing is mostly stiff, fragile plastics. we report a class of 3d printable, ultrasoft and stretchable elastomers by exploiting the self-assembly of responsive bottlebrush-based triblock copolymers. the microphase separation of the architecturally and chemically distinct blocks results in physically crosslinked networks that are stimuli-reversible, enabling their use for in-situ direct-write printing soft, elastic, and deformable 3d structures. the elastomers are 100% solvent-reprocessable yet thermostable within a wide range of temperature. moreover, they exhibit an extensibility up to 600% and a young's modulus low to �10pa, 10times softer than plastics and more than 100 times softer than all existing 3d printable elastomers.
