Introduction

The present invention relates to an efficient, reliable and inexpensive production method of photopolymerizing epoxy-based composite materials and graphene oxide derivatives with high stability at room temperature that is efficient, reliable and inexpensive and the composite materials produced with said method and their use as inks with high retention time in stereolithographic 3D printing techniques to improve the mechanical properties of the printed products.

Technical features

There are different 3D printing techniques but at an industrial level stereolithographic 3D printing (SLA), is the most widespread, especially in the field of rapid prototyping.

A disadvantage of SLA 3D printing is that the three-dimensional objects in epoxy resin obtained have mechanical properties and chemical-physical properties that are lower than those of three-dimensional objects in polymeric materials, PC, PS, PET, PVC, and the like, made by other types of printing, such as injection moulding.

In this context, a team of researchers from the University of L’Aquila, in collaboration with a company from Abruzzo, developed a method of manufacturing composite products of light-curing epoxy resin and graphene oxide derivatives capable of improving the properties mechanical and chemical-physics of three-dimensional objects obtained by stereolithography 3D printing in a simple, reliable and economical way.

The improved performance of the product, such as the increase in maximum load, stiffness and glass temperature, are obtained thanks to the reinforcing effect of the polymer matrix through the use of materials derived from graphene oxide, suitably dispersed in the epoxy resin.

Possible Applications

Production of composites to be used as inks for stereolithography 3D printing for the potential following  sectors:

• Electronic devices;
• Defence and aeronautics;
• Medical and fitness;
• Domestic appliances;

Advantages

• Obtaining 3D printed products with improved thermo-mechanical characteristics;
• Savings in terms of cost of material used;
• Lower quantity of ink with the same required performance;
• Greater flexibility in the production process;
• Increased shelf life compared to traditional products (8-12 months).