3D Printing All-Aromatic Polyimides using Mask-Projection Stereolithography: Processing the Nonprocessable

Maruti Hegde, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Nicholas Chartrain, Susheel Sekhar, Danesh Tafti, Christopher B. Williams, Timothy E. Long

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

129 Scopus citations

Abstract

High-performance, all-aromatic, insoluble, engineering thermoplastic polyimides, such as pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4′-oxydianiline (PMDA–ODA) (Kapton), exhibit exceptional thermal stability (up to ≈600 °C) and mechanical properties (Young's modulus exceeding 2 GPa). However, their thermal resistance, which is a consequence of the all-aromatic molecular structure, prohibits processing using conventional techniques. Previous reports describe an energy-intensive sintering technique as an alternative technique for processing polyimides with limited resolution and part fidelity. This study demonstrates the unprecedented 3D printing of PMDA–ODA using mask-projection stereolithography, and the preparation of high-resolution 3D structures without sacrificing bulk material properties. Synthesis of a soluble precursor polymer containing photo-crosslinkable acrylate groups enables light-induced, chemical crosslinking for spatial control in the gel state. Postprinting thermal treatment transforms the crosslinked precursor polymer to PMDA–ODA. The dimensional shrinkage is isotropic, and postprocessing preserves geometric integrity. Furthermore, large-area mask-projection scanning stereolithography demonstrates the scalability of 3D structures. These unique high-performance 3D structures offer potential in fields ranging from water filtration and gas separation to automotive and aerospace technologies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1701240
JournalAdvanced Materials
Volume29
Issue number31
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 18 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 3D printing
  • engineering polymers
  • mask-projection stereolithography
  • polyimide
  • thermoplastics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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