Efficient chain transfer for 3D-printing of tough photopolymers
https://phys.org/news/2018-07-efficient-chain-3d-printing-tough-photopolymers.html
Newer methods to better control radical photopolymerization and the material properties of the products tend to slow the curing process, which is not ideal for 3-D printing. A short irradiation phase is critical for high spatial resolution and economical production times.
A new approach for the tailored production of methacrylate-based photopolymers without inhibiting the curing process has been developed by a team led by Robert Liska at the Technical University of Vienna (Austria). Their success relies on the addition of an ester-activated vinyl sulfonate ester (EVS), which acts as a chain transfer agent. It is activated because it easily splits off one portion of itself.