University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Simultaneous three-dimensional printing and frontal polymerization of dicyclopentadiene resin

Aw, Jia En

Content Files
AW-THESIS-2019.pdf

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/105277

Description

Title
Simultaneous three-dimensional printing and frontal polymerization of dicyclopentadiene resin
Author(s)
Aw, Jia En
Issue Date
2019-04-26
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
  • Sottos, Nancy R.
  • Geubelle, Philippe H.
Department of Study
Aerospace Engineering
Discipline
Aerospace Engineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Date of Ingest
2019-08-23T20:48:28Z
Keyword(s)
  • 3D printing
  • thermoset
  • frontal polymerization
  • direct ink writing
  • advanced manufacturing
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing has widespread uses across many industries due to its versatility and capabilities. However, freeform fabrication of thermoset polymers remains a technical challenge. This thesis combines 3D printing with frontal polymerization (FP) — a method to rapidly cure resin — for curing filaments in tandem with the printing process. A partially cured dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) resin was developed into a printing ink. Critical rheological characteristics were identified, and DCPD inks of varying incubation times were screened to find the most suitable properties. Results of the rheological study indicate that 90 minutes of incubation time resulted in optimum print behavior. Problems associated with FP were effectively tackled through temperature control across the printing setup. In situ infrared images showed an exothermic reaction front propagating during the print process, giving evidence of in situ polymerization. The optimized technique produced one-dimensional, two-dimensional and 3D freeform prints with excellent fidelity. A self-equilibrating behavior was identified in the reaction front, such that the front autonomously tune its speed to the programmed print speed. This phenomenon autonomously controls the viscoelastic bridge length, Lb, and inevitably curbs deformations to achieve high print fidelity.
Graduation Semester
2019-05
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/105277
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2019 Jia En Aw

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Graduate Dissertations and Theses at Illinois PRIMARY
Graduate Theses and Dissertations at Illinois
Dissertations and Theses - Aerospace Engineering