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Background: Craniofacial bone regeneration represents a dynamic area within tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Central to this field, is the continual exploration of new methodologies for template fabrication, leveraging established bio ceramic materials, with the objective of restoring bone integrity and facilitating successful implant placements. Methods: Photopolymerized templates were prepared using three distinct bio ceramic materials, specifically a wet chemically synthesized bioactive glass and two commercially sourced hydroxyapatite variants. These templates underwent comprehensive characterization to assess their physicochemical and mechanical attributes, employing techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nano-computed tomography. Evaluation of their biocompatibility was conducted through interaction with primary human osteoblasts (hOB) and subsequent examination using scanning electron microscopy. Results: The results demonstrated that composite showed intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions with the photopolymer, while computerized tomography unveiled the porous morphology and distribution within the templates. A relatively higher porosity percentage (31.55 ± 8.70%) and compressive strength (1.53 ± 0.11 MPa) was noted for bioactive glass templates. Human osteoblast cultured on bioactive glass showed higher viability compared to other specimens. Scanning micrographs of human osteoblast on templated showed cellular adhesion and the presence of filopodia and lamellipodia. Conclusion: In summary these templates have the potential to be used for alveolar bone regeneration in critical size defect. Photopolymerization of bioceramics may be an interesting technique for scaffolds fabrication for bone tissue engineering application but needs more optimization to overcome existing issues like the ideal ratio of the photopolymer to bioceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an innovative approach to improving the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of 3D-printed stereolithography (SLA) nanocomposites by incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (xGNP) into photopolymer matrices. Utilizing an SLA 3D printer, photopolymer formulations with xGNP concentrations of up to 0.25 wt% were successfully produced. Post-print curing was carried out using two different methods: ultraviolet (UV) curing and high-temperature curing at 160 °C. Mechanical characterization using nanoindentation showed a significant increase in elastic modulus by 104% and an increase in hardness by 85% for nanocomposites containing 0.25 wt% xGNP. Furthermore, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed a 39% improvement in storage modulus for samples without post-curing and an improvement of approximately 30% for samples subjected to high-temperature curing. These significant improvements highlight xGNP's potential to not only increase the performance of SLA 3D-printed components but also streamline the manufacturing process by reducing or eliminating energy-intensive post-curing steps. This innovative integration of graphene nanoplatelets paves the way for the production of high-performance, functional 3D-printed products and offers significant advances for various industries with a high impact. The results highlight the transformative role of nanomaterials in additive manufacturing and position this work at the forefront of materials science and 3D printing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vat photopolymerization (VPP) in ceramic additive manufacturing (CAM) faces challenges due to high viscosity from ceramic powder loading, necessitating interruptive recoating steps. Ceramic particles also attenuate and divert irradiated light, causing reduced cure depth and over-curing, leading to slow print, weak interlay adhesion, and dimensional errors. This study introduces photo inhibition-aided CAM (PinCAM) using dual-wavelength digital light processing to mitigate these issues. PinCAM employs two optical masks for initiation and inhibition at different wavelengths. While previous research focused on polymers, this work evaluates inhibition's effects in suspension-based VPP-CAM. Modeling and experiments examine inhibition and curing characteristics, print speed, dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and microstructure. Preliminary results suggest that photoinhibition has the potential to enhance geometrical and surface properties as well as particle distribution homogeneity of green ceramic components without significantly compromising print speed. Understanding inhibition's impact will aid further research in PinCAM optimization for rapid and precise ceramic manufacturing. • First systematic study on two-wavelength Photoinhibition aided Ceramic AM (PinCAM). • Modeling and characterization of inhibition and curing characteristics in PinCAM. • Pilot study on curing light and inhibition ratio effects in PinCAM speed & product. • Optimal inhibition enhances geometry, surface, density, & homogeneity of green part. • Theoretical basis & methods to establish PinCAM for advanced ceramic manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel simultaneous double-exposure contact mirror-based method for fabricating holographic multi-notch filters with dual operational central wavelengths. The proposed method leverages coupled wave theory, the geometric relationships of K-vectors, and a reflection-type recording setup, incorporating additional reflecting mirrors to guide the recording beams. To validate the approach, a holographic notch filter was fabricated using photopolymer recording materials, resulting in operational wavelengths of 531.13 nm and 633.01 nm. The measured diffraction efficiencies at these wavelengths were ηs = 52.35% and ηp = 52.45% for 531.13 nm, and ηs = 67.30% and ηp = 67.40% for 633.01 nm. The component's performance was analyzed using s- and p-polarized spectral transmission intensities at various reconstruction angles, revealing polarization-independent characteristics under normal incidence and polarization-dependent behavior under oblique incidence. The study also explored the relationships between recording parameters, such as incident angle, wavelength, emulsion expansion, and dispersion. The findings demonstrate that the first operational central wavelength is primarily influenced by the recording wavelength, while the second is primarily determined by the incident angle, covering a range from visible light to near-infrared. This method offers significant potential for cost-effective, mass-produced filters in optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Craniofacial bone regeneration represents a dynamic area within tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Central to this field, is the continual exploration of new methodologies for template fabrication, leveraging established bio ceramic materials, with the objective of restoring bone integrity and facilitating successful implant placements. Methods Photopolymerized templates were prepared using three distinct bio ceramic materials, specifically a wet chemically synthesized bioactive glass and two commercially sourced hydroxyapatite variants. These templates underwent comprehensive characterization to assess their physicochemical and mechanical attributes, employing techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nano-computed tomography. Evaluation of their biocompatibility was conducted through interaction with primary human osteoblasts (hOB) and subsequent examination using scanning electron microscopy. Results The results demonstrated that composite showed intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions with the photopolymer, while computerized tomography unveiled the porous morphology and distribution within the templates. A relatively higher porosity percentage (31.55 ± 8.70%) and compressive strength (1.53 ± 0.11 MPa) was noted for bioactive glass templates. Human osteoblast cultured on bioactive glass showed higher viability compared to other specimens. Scanning micrographs of human osteoblast on templated showed cellular adhesion and the presence of filopodia and lamellipodia. Conclusion In summary these templates have the potential to be used for alveolar bone regeneration in critical size defect. Photopolymerization of bioceramics may be an interesting technique for scaffolds fabrication for bone tissue engineering application but needs more optimization to overcome existing issues like the ideal ratio of the photopolymer to bioceramics.

Light‐cured polymer composites incorporating particle reinforcements have been adopted for a wide range of engineering applications. Nevertheless, micro‐filled composites exhibit insufficient strength despite good abrasion resistance. Conversely, nano‐filled counterparts possess enhanced strength but easily generate particle agglomeration. Hybrid filling has therefore been utilized in previous studies to combine the advantages of different components, but conclusive results have not been obtained. Within this study, the effects of hybrid filling on the strengthening mechanism and curing kinetics of light‐cured polymer composites were investigated by multi‐scale mechanical tests, in‐situ near‐infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and finite element simulations. It was found that hybrid filling led to an average increase in Young's modulus by ~3.94%, the hardness by ~5.81%, the tensile strength by ~10.44%, and the degree of conversion by ~2.54% compared to micro‐filling at the same filler content. Besides, hybrid filling showed more reduced particle agglomeration compared to nano‐scale filling. Finite element analysis revealed that hybrid filling effectively enhanced the load‐bearing capacity of the matrix. Overall, the experimental results unveil a mechanism of particle reinforcement that can be extrapolated to various particle‐filled polymers across different length scales. These findings provide a versatile manufacturing technique for composites with heightened mechanical reinforcement and are expected to guide the application in the field of photo‐polymeric materials. Highlights: Light‐cured polymer composites incorporating hybrid silica particles were prepared.The strengthening mechanism was investigated by multi‐scale mechanical tests.Hybrid filling could lead to an increase in material strength compared to micro‐filling.Hybrid filling exhibited reduced particle agglomeration in comparison to nano‐filling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenanthrenequinone-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PQ/PMMA) photopolymers are potential holographic storage media owing to their high-density storage capacities, low costs, high stability, and negligible shrinkage in volume holographic permanent memory. However, because of the limitations of the substrate, conventional Plexiglas materials do not exhibit a good performance in terms of photosensitivity and molding. In this study, the crosslinked structure of PMMA was modified by introducing a dendrimer monomer, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETA), which increases the photosensitivity of the material 2 times (from ~0.58 cm/J to ~1.18 cm/J), and the diffraction efficiency is increased 1.6 times (from ~50% to ~80%). In addition, the modified material has a superior ability to mold compared to conventional materials. Moreover, the holographic performance enhancement was evaluated in conjunction with a quantum chemical analysis. The doping of PETA resulted in an overall decrease in the energy required for the reaction system of the material, and the activation energy decreased by ~0.5 KJ/mol in the photoreaction stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how varying cell size affects the mechanical behaviour of photopolymer Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS) under different deformation rates. Diamond, Gyroid, and Primitive TPMS structures with spatially graded cell sizes were tested. Quasi-static experiments measured boundary forces, representing material behaviour, inertia, and deformation mechanisms. Separate studies explored the base material's behaviour and its response to strain rate, revealing a strength increase with rising strain rate. Ten compression tests identified a critical strain rate of 0.7 s−1 for "Grey Pro" material, indicating a shift in failure susceptibility. X-ray tomography, camera recording, and image correlation techniques observed cell connectivity and non-uniform deformation in TPMS structures. Regions exceeding the critical rate fractured earlier. In Primitive structures, stiffness differences caused collapse after densification of smaller cells at lower rates. The study found increasing collapse initiation stress, plateau stress, densification strain, and specific energy absorption with higher deformation rates below the critical rate for all TPMS structures. However, cell-size graded Primitive structures showed a significant reduction in plateau and specific energy absorption at a 500 mm/min rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urethane acrylate (UA) was synthesized from various di-polyols, such as poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTMG, Mn = 1000), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, Mn = 1000), and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG, Mn = 1000), for use as a polymer binder for paint. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and UA were blended to form an acrylic resin with high transmittance and stress-strain curve. When PMMA was blended with UA, a network structure was formed due to physical entanglement between the two polymers, increasing the mechanical properties. UA was synthesized by forming a prepolymer using di-polyol and hexamethylene diisocyanate, which were chain structure monomers, and capping them with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate to provide an acryl group. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to observe the changes in functional groups, and gel permeation chromatography was used to confirm that the three series showed similar molecular weight and PDI values. The yellowing phenomenon that appears mainly in the curing reaction of the polymer binder was solved, and the mechanical properties according to the effects of the polyol used in the main chain were compared. The content of the blended UA was quantified using ultravioletvisible spectroscopy at a wavelength of 370 nm based on 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%, and the shear strength and tensile strength were evaluated using specimens in a suitable mode. The ratio for producing the polymer binder was optimized. The mechanical properties of the polymer binder with 5–10 wt% UA were improved in all series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-space manufacturing especially for external satellite structures has a huge potential to increase the packaging density of a satellite in launch configuration and enables large structures for advanced mission requirements. However, the processes and materials do have to withstand the harsh environmental conditions in space. These conditions have immediate effects on the manufacturing process as well as long-term effects on the structure manufactured in orbit. The experiments presented here are based on a photopolymer extrusion process by UV-radiation curing that is intended to be used as an in-space manufacturing technology. In order to understand the influence of reduced atmospheric pressure and microgravity on the process, we demonstrated the successful extrusion and curing of rod-shaped elements during a sounding rocket flight. Simultaneously, the same experiment was performed on the ground under normal gravity and ambient pressure. By comparing both groups of specimens, it was shown that the morphological artifacts and geometric deviations are more significant for the specimens manufactured during flight. This evaluation was performed by visual inspection, by comparison of the laser-scanned specimens with a reference model and by measuring and comparing the mass, length and diameter of the specimens. On a microscopic level, conducted by computer tomography, no influence of the reduced atmospheric pressure on the extrusion of the liquid photopolymer can be recognized as this was probably not low enough at the altitude reached by the rocket. As a result of this article, measures are proposed to avoid the morphological artifacts observed during the experiments and thus achieve higher accuracy and a resilient in-space manufacturing process. • Demonstration of Photopolymer Extrusion process under microgravity and vacuum. • Artifacts were identified for the specimen manufactured under microgravity and vacuum. • Bubbles were identified for the vacuum-exposed specimen because of not degassed resin. • The Microgravity environment showed no major influence on the specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seepage control is critically essential for dams, slopes, and the stability of many engineering structures, developing over many years using different methods. This study presents a novel approach for seepage control using the photopolymerization technique to form an impermeable crust at the soil surface. Effects of exposure duration (5, 10, 15, and 30 min) and light intensities (140, 550, 710, and 1000 W/m2) on the seepage control effectiveness of four different sand soils were investigated by using the photopolymerization technique. The three-point bending, permeability and acid rain simulation tests were performed to illustrate the effect of photopolymerization on the seepage control of sand soils. Furthermore, the influence of photopolymerization on the microstructure of soils was examined with the aid of SEM analysis. The results indicated that the photopolymerization technique could improve the crust strength, acid rain durability, and permeability of sand soils. The crusts at the surface layer of soils were formed after the photopolymer was applied to the sand surface and then exposed to UV light. These crusts of different soils have bending strengths and thicknesses in the range of 34.57 and 68.07 MPa, 2.13 and 6.18 mm, respectively. The increase in exposure duration and light intensity, resulted in the gradual increment of soil crust thickness. On the other hand, the increase in light intensities have more effective on the crust thickness. The formed soil crust has been provided an impermeable surface that prevents the weight loose from the surface of the soil under acid rain conditions. The SEM analysis indicated that the photopolymerized gels were homogeneously distributed between the grains in all samples, although the grain distribution of soils were different. Since the photopolymerization method has a short treatment duration and is easier to apply on the sand surface, the occurrence of the crust at the soil surface by this technique may open a new and improvable path for seepage control. The obtained results showed that the photopolymerization method is promising for repairing, restoring, and strengthening the construction materials in different engineering areas, as well as seepage control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photopolymers, especially acrylate-based ones with low cost and simple preparation, are promising materials for high-efficiency holographic gratings. However, it is still challenging to achieve high-performance gratings, due to the influences of many factors. In this work, we found that the dark reaction plays a critical role. The effect of the dark reaction on the optical properties of holographic gratings was investigated. Experimental results reveal that the diffraction efficiency of the gratings can be improved by a factor of three by involving the dark reaction process, and the highest diffraction efficiency for gratings can reach 97.8% after optimization. Therefore, the dark reaction can greatly enhance the optical performance of acrylate-based holographic gratings and other optical elements, thus holding great potential for many applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we summarize the various opportunities and challenges in Photopolymer based VHG optical waveguides. By comparing with SRG, we analyzed the advantages of VHG in rainbow effect and eye glow in principle. Besides, we list the challenges faced by VHGs such as grating vector testing, shrinkage effect, light leakage, and material absorption, and give some of the solutions as well as possible solution ideas. The solution of the above challenges will provide new theoretical and technical support for the practicalization of VHG optical waveguides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel simultaneous double-exposure contact mirror-based method for fabricating holographic multi-notch filters with dual operational central wavelengths. The proposed method leverages coupled wave theory, the geometric relationships of K-vectors, and a reflection-type recording setup, incorporating additional reflecting mirrors to guide the recording beams. To validate the approach, a holographic notch filter was fabricated using photopolymer recording materials, resulting in operational wavelengths of 531.13 nm and 633.01 nm. The measured diffraction efficiencies at these wavelengths were ηs = 52.35% and ηp = 52.45% for 531.13 nm, and ηs = 67.30% and ηp = 67.40% for 633.01 nm. The component’s performance was analyzed using s- and p-polarized spectral transmission intensities at various reconstruction angles, revealing polarization-independent characteristics under normal incidence and polarization-dependent behavior under oblique incidence. The study also explored the relationships between recording parameters, such as incident angle, wavelength, emulsion expansion, and dispersion. The findings demonstrate that the first operational central wavelength is primarily influenced by the recording wavelength, while the second is primarily determined by the incident angle, covering a range from visible light to near-infrared. This method offers significant potential for cost-effective, mass-produced filters in optoelectronic applications.

This study presents an innovative approach to improving the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of 3D-printed stereolithography (SLA) nanocomposites by incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (xGNP) into photopolymer matrices. Utilizing an SLA 3D printer, photopolymer formulations with xGNP concentrations of up to 0.25 wt% were successfully produced. Post-print curing was carried out using two different methods: ultraviolet (UV) curing and high-temperature curing at 160 °C. Mechanical characterization using nanoindentation showed a significant increase in elastic modulus by 104% and an increase in hardness by 85% for nanocomposites containing 0.25 wt% xGNP. Furthermore, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed a 39% improvement in storage modulus for samples without post-curing and an improvement of approximately 30% for samples subjected to high-temperature curing. These significant improvements highlight xGNP’s potential to not only increase the performance of SLA 3D-printed components but also streamline the manufacturing process by reducing or eliminating energy-intensive post-curing steps. This innovative integration of graphene nanoplatelets paves the way for the production of high-performance, functional 3D-printed products and offers significant advances for various industries with a high impact. The results highlight the transformative role of nanomaterials in additive manufacturing and position this work at the forefront of materials science and 3D printing technology.

In this study, caffeine-loaded photoresin composites with homogeneous structures, suitable for additive manufacturing of transdermal microneedle systems, were obtained. The properties of the composites with varying caffeine concentrations (0.1–0.4% w/w) were investigated for carbon–carbon double bond conversion using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, surface wettability and mechanical properties using a static tensile test and nanoindentation, and caffeine release in ethanol using UV-Vis. The caffeine concentration did not affect the final degree of double bond conversion, which was confirmed in tensile tests, where the strength and Young's modulus of caffeine-loaded samples had comparable values to control ones. Samples with 0.1 and 0.2% caffeine content showed an increase in nanohardness and reduced elastic modulus of 50 MPa and 1.5 MPa, respectively. The good wettability of the samples with water and the increase in surface energy is a favorable aspect for the dedicated application of the obtained composite materials. The amount of caffeine released into the ethanol solution at 1, 3 and 7 days reached a maximum value of 81%, was higher for the lower concentration of caffeine in the sample and increased over time. The conducted research may enhance the potential application of composite materials obtained through the digital light processing method in additive manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filament winding method is the most commonly used method to produce profiles with different cross sections as composite product manufacturing. In this method, fiber material is wound with resin at different angles on a mold that has a suitable cross section shape. As a winding strategy, angled and helical winding can be done. Motion planning for this process is done with geodesic and nongeodesic theories. Requirement to use mold in the filament winding method increases the cost. Also, there is an obligation to helical windings. In winding of different layers, 90° angle cannot be given between the layers. To overcome all these constraints, UV curing can be achieved using photopolymer resin and continuous fiber glass fiber with the help of robotic additive manufacturing technology. Toolpath strategies for production has a key role in this work. As a tool path strategy, nonplanar slicing can be done and manufactured composite elbow in angular layers without mold. Then, under favour of 6-axis mobility of the industrial robot arm, layers can be obtained at exactly 90° angle. In addition, in this method, unlike other winding methods, internal voids, i.e. a filling rate, can be given within the cylindrical encircled layers. In order to verify whether the elbows produced with this method meet the requirements of the desired applications in the industry in terms of mechanical properties, at different filling rates (50%, 75%, 100%), winding turns (0 and 1/8), and different fiber densities (45%, 55% and 65%) 90° curved composite elbows were produced and their internal pressure strength tests were tested. Afterwards, an optimization study was carried out with the Taguchi method for the production parameters that will maximize the internal pressure strength. According to the results of the optimization study, it is seen that it is appropriate to choose the printing parameters that will obtain the highest internal pressure strength values for production with this method, 100% fill rate, 65% fiber density and 0° winding angle. The products made of this process have the advantage of easy-shaping, reasonable ratio of axial strength and encircled strength, specification easy-unifying, stable product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polarized holographic properties play an important role in the holographic data storage of traditional organic recording materials. In this study, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was introduced into a phenanthraquinone-doped polymethylmethacrylate (PQ/PMMA) photopolymer to effectively improve the orthogonal polarization holographic properties of the material. Importantly, the lateral size of RGO nanosheets has an important influence on the polymerization of MMA monomers. To some extent, a larger RGO diameter is more conducive to promoting the polymerization of MMA monomers and can induce more PMMA polymers to be grafted on its surface, thus obtaining a higher PMMA molecular weight. However, too large of a RGO will lead to too much grafting of the PMMA chain to shorten the length of a single PMMA chain, which will lead to the degradation of PQ/PMMA holographic performance. Compared with the original PQ/PMMA, the diffraction efficiency of the RGO-doped PQ/PMMA photopolymer can reach more than 11.4% (more than 3.5 times higher than the original PQ/PMMA), and its photosensitivity is significantly improved by 4.6 times. This study successfully synthesized RGO-doped PQ/PMMA high-performance photopolymer functional materials for multi-dimensional holographic storage by introducing RGO nanoparticles. Furthermore, the polarization holographic properties of PQ/PMMA photopolymer materials can be further accurately improved to a new level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to prepare an acrylate-based 3D printable resin that showed flexible properties after photopolymerization and to characterize mechanical-physicochemical properties of polymerized objects. The experimental resin contained butyl acrylate (BA) and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) in 7:3 weight ratio, phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide (BAPO) in 0.2 %w/w and ethyl 4-(dimethylamino) benzoate in 0.4 %w/w. Tensile strength measurements were performed by Intron 5544. The curing times were 1, 2 and 5 min. FT-IR spectroscopy was used for the degree of conversion (DC) measurements on the top and bottom surfaces of specimens. The tensile strength data of resin increased with polymerization time. Behind this is a higher degree of polymerization, which is also supported by the conversion data. A trial printing of experimental resin revealed that this matrix can be applied in an SLA 3D printer.

This paper presents a holographic sensor based on reflection holograms recorded in the commercial photopolymer Bayfol® HX 200. The recording geometry and index modulation of the hologram were optimised to improve accuracy for this specific application. The sensor was subjected to tests using various analytes, and it exhibited sensitivity to acetic acid and ethanol. The measurements revealed a correlation between the concentration of the analyte in contact with the sensor's surface and the resulting wavelength shift of the diffracted light. The minimum detectable concentrations were determined to be above 0.09 mol/dm3 for acetic acid and 5% (v/v) for ethanol. Notably, the sensors demonstrated a rapid response time. Given that ethanol serves as a base for alcoholic beverages, and acetic acid is commonly found in commercial vinegar, these sensors hold promise for applications in food quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital light processing (DLP) or stereolithography is the most promising method of additive manufacturing (3D printing) of products based on high-energy materials due to, first of all, the absence of a high-temperature impact on the material. This paper presents research results of an ultraviolet (UV)-cured urethane methacrylate polymer containing 70 wt.% of high-energy solid powder based on ammonium salts, which is intended for digital light processing. Polymerization of the initial slurry is studied herein. It is shown that the addition of coarse powder transparency for the UV radiation to resin increases its curing depth. The thickness of the layer, which can polymerize, varies from 600 µm to 2 mm when the light power density ranges from 20 to 400 mJ/cm2, respectively. In DLP-based 3D printing, the obtained material density is 92% of the full density, while the compressive strength is 29 ± 3 MPa, and the ultimate tensile strength is 13 ± 1.3 MPa. The thermogravimetric analysis shows the decrease in the thermal decomposition temperature of UV-cured resin with high-energy additives compared to the thermal decomposition temperatures of the initial components separately. Thermal decomposition is accompanied by intensive heat generation. The burning rate of obtained samples grows from 0.74 to 3.68 mm/s, respectively, at the pressure growth from 0.1 to 4 MPa. Based on the results, it can be concluded that DLP-based 3D printing with the proposed UV photocurable resin is rather promising for the fabrication of multicomponent high-energy systems and complex profile parts produced therefrom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fundamental physical chemical properties of a monolayer film comprised of the chiral, photopolymerizable phospholipid 1,2‐bis(10,12‐tricosadiynoyl)‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (Diyne PC) and the impact of a model perfluorocarbon, perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PF), on these film properties have been investigated, both with and without UV photopolymerization. Enantiomerically pure Diyne PC formed compact, stable monolayers at the air‐water interface, exhibited typical phospholipid phase transitions in surface pressure‐area isotherms and yielded micron‐scale, linear domains upon film compression. Photopolymerized films were significantly more expanded in comparison with the unpolymerized films and the resulting domains had a spiral morphology with a strongly preferred spiral direction. Mixing Diyne PC with PF altered the isotherm behavior, with the principal effects being a significant reduction in the plateau region associated with the characteristic LE‐LC phase transition and no larger‐scale spiral domain formation in the monolayers of the mixed films. Results are discussed in the context of interactions between the two different film components and the tendency of perfluorinated surfactants to disperse condensed phase regions of phospholipid‐based monolayer films. Overall, the tendency of PF to disperse condensed regions of the film makes patterning of films in mixed phospholipid‐perfluorocarbon monolayers particularly difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing of composite materials is a nascent technology that is being investigated for manufacturing optimized structural composite designs. By combining additive manufacturing of continuous fiber composites with topology optimization, fibers can be steered in the loading direction. Steered fibers allow for decreased weight, decreased manufacturing time, and reduced cost. Realizing the benefit of printed composites enables production of low cost unmanned vehicles at a higher rate with high specificity. Mechanical properties of printed composites, which are needed for design, are measured in this work. Composite properties were comparable to traditionally manufactured composites, especially when normalized by cured ply thickness. Transverse properties were limited by the brittleness of the photopolymer matrix. Matrix cure characteristics and thermal properties were also measured which revealed the high temperature capabilities of the matrix with a Tg of 198°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a bio-based acrylate resin derived from soybean oil was used in combination with a reactive diluent, isobornyl acrylate, to synthetize a composite scaffold reinforced with bioactive glass particles. The formulation contained acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO), isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), a photo-initiator (Irgacure 819) and a bioactive glass particle. The resin showed high reactivity towards radical photopolymerisation, and the presence of the bioactive glass did not significantly affect the photocuring process. The 3D-printed samples showed different properties from the mould-polymerised samples. The glass transition temperature Tg showed an increase of 3D samples with increasing bioactive glass content, attributed to the layer-by-layer curing process that resulted in improved interaction between the bioactive glass and the polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed an optimal distribution on bioactive glass within the samples. Compression tests indicated that the 3D-printed sample exhibited higher modulus compared to mould-synthetized samples, proving the enhanced mechanical behaviour of 3D-printed scaffolds. The cytocompatibility and biocompatibility of the samples were evaluated using human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bMSCs). The metabolic activity and attachment of cells on the samples' surfaces were analysed, and the results demonstrated higher metabolic activity and increased cell attachment on the surfaces containing higher bioactive glass content. The viability of the cells was further confirmed through live/dead staining and reseeding experiments. Overall, this study presents a novel approach for fabricating bioactive glass reinforced scaffolds using 3D printing technology, offering potential applications in tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Phenanthrenequinone-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PQ/PMMA) photopolymers are potential holographic storage media owing to their high-density storage capacities, low costs, high stability, and negligible shrinkage in volume holographic permanent memory. However, because of the limitations of the substrate, conventional Plexiglas materials do not exhibit a good performance in terms of photosensitivity and molding. In this study, the crosslinked structure of PMMA was modified by introducing a dendrimer monomer, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETA), which increases the photosensitivity of the material 2 times (from ~0.58 cm/J to ~1.18 cm/J), and the diffraction efficiency is increased 1.6 times (from ~50% to ~80%). In addition, the modified material has a superior ability to mold compared to conventional materials. Moreover, the holographic performance enhancement was evaluated in conjunction with a quantum chemical analysis. The doping of PETA resulted in an overall decrease in the energy required for the reaction system of the material, and the activation energy decreased by ~0.5 KJ/mol in the photoreaction stage.

This study investigates how varying cell size affects the mechanical behaviour of photopolymer Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS) under different deformation rates. Diamond, Gyroid, and Primitive TPMS structures with spatially graded cell sizes were tested. Quasi-static experiments measured boundary forces, representing material behaviour, inertia, and deformation mechanisms. Separate studies explored the base material’s behaviour and its response to strain rate, revealing a strength increase with rising strain rate. Ten compression tests identified a critical strain rate of 0.7 s−1 for “Grey Pro” material, indicating a shift in failure susceptibility. X-ray tomography, camera recording, and image correlation techniques observed cell connectivity and non-uniform deformation in TPMS structures. Regions exceeding the critical rate fractured earlier. In Primitive structures, stiffness differences caused collapse after densification of smaller cells at lower rates. The study found increasing collapse initiation stress, plateau stress, densification strain, and specific energy absorption with higher deformation rates below the critical rate for all TPMS structures. However, cell-size graded Primitive structures showed a significant reduction in plateau and specific energy absorption at a 500 mm/min rate.

Urethane acrylate (UA) was synthesized from various di-polyols, such as poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTMG, Mn = 1000), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, Mn = 1000), and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG, Mn = 1000), for use as a polymer binder for paint. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and UA were blended to form an acrylic resin with high transmittance and stress-strain curve. When PMMA was blended with UA, a network structure was formed due to physical entanglement between the two polymers, increasing the mechanical properties. UA was synthesized by forming a prepolymer using di-polyol and hexamethylene diisocyanate, which were chain structure monomers, and capping them with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate to provide an acryl group. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to observe the changes in functional groups, and gel permeation chromatography was used to confirm that the three series showed similar molecular weight and PDI values. The yellowing phenomenon that appears mainly in the curing reaction of the polymer binder was solved, and the mechanical properties according to the effects of the polyol used in the main chain were compared. The content of the blended UA was quantified using ultravioletvisible spectroscopy at a wavelength of 370 nm based on 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%, and the shear strength and tensile strength were evaluated using specimens in a suitable mode. The ratio for producing the polymer binder was optimized. The mechanical properties of the polymer binder with 5–10 wt% UA were improved in all series.

Photopolymers, especially acrylate-based ones with low cost and simple preparation, are promising materials for high-efficiency holographic gratings. However, it is still challenging to achieve high-performance gratings, due to the influences of many factors. In this work, we found that the dark reaction plays a critical role. The effect of the dark reaction on the optical properties of holographic gratings was investigated. Experimental results reveal that the diffraction efficiency of the gratings can be improved by a factor of three by involving the dark reaction process, and the highest diffraction efficiency for gratings can reach 97.8% after optimization. Therefore, the dark reaction can greatly enhance the optical performance of acrylate-based holographic gratings and other optical elements, thus holding great potential for many applications.

To allow for the formation of a high temperature inside the solar cell in order to release gamma rays and split single photons into pair-photons, a very thin layer of complex photopolymer ((chloro-trifluoro-ethylene vinyl ether fluoropolymer binder and dimethacrylic perfluoropolyether oligomer) is layered up on top of the fine silicon printable solar cell. With the PerkinElmer® Lambda 25 UV–Vis Spectrometer, all released conserved quantum numbers (photon to electron and positron, basic kinematics, and energy transfer) are being monitored during this pair-photon production because the conservation of photon momentum is one of the main constraints for this process of breaking down photon particles. Subsequently, the measurement of the required photon frequency (f), and wavelength (λ) to form these pair-photons by the induction of gamma-ray has also been determined to design high-performance solar cells by using MATLAB software. Accordingly, the study revealed that the photopolymer-coated printable solar cell does release the gamma-ray to form pair-photon e+e- in order to release energy with the efficiency of 44.2% that needs to have only the photonic wavelength (λ) of 1.21 × 10−12 m, and frequency (f) of 2.5 × 1020 Hz to release energy 1,024,000 eV, which is equivalent to energy 7.253 kWh/m2. The results suggested that solar cells profoundly release the gamma-ray due to the presence of a photopolymer which initiates high temperature inside the solar cell and paves the photon-photon collision to produce pair-photons from a single one. Subsequently, photon to electron and positron, its basic kinematics have also been monitored during this photon-photon interaction to determine the energy transfer to design high-performance solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of creating holographic optical elements operating in the near infrared spectral range based on the Bayfol HX holographic photopolymer has been considered. The dynamic range of the refractive index of the photopolymer and the amplitude-phase nature of the holograms in the infrared range have been studied. The influence of recording parameters (power density of recording radiation, recording time) on the distribution of the dynamic range of the refractive index between grating harmonics has been studied. The analysis of the amplitude-phase nature of holograms was carried out by measuring the transmission spectra of the studied photopolymer after the photopolymerization reaction. The dynamic range of the refractive index of a photopolymer evaluated in the spectral range from 405 nm to 2099 nm. For this purpose, the angular selectivity contours of holograms with periods from 414 nm to 2100 nm, optimized for different parts of the specified spectral range, were measured and analyzed. The influence of recording parameters on the distribution of the dynamic range of the refractive index between the grating harmonics was analyzed by calculating the amplitudes of the first and second harmonics of the refractive index modulation from the experimentally measured angular selectivity contours of holograms recorded with different recording time at a constant irradiation dose. It was shown that the dynamic range of the refractive index of the photopolymer in the near infrared spectral range, as compared with the long-wavelength part of the visible region of the spectrum, differs by a value that does not exceed the measurement accuracy. A pronounced violation of the reciprocity was demonstrated with scaling of the interference pattern or with changing of the power density of the recording radiation. The optimal recording conditions for holograms calculated for the infrared spectral range for the studied photopolymer were found. The possibility of using of the studied holographic material in telecommunication optics has been demonstrated.

Curcumin, a natural dye found in the Curcuma longa rhizome, commonly called turmeric, is used as a photosensitizer in acrylamide-based photopolymers for holographic data storage. We studied the absorbance of photopolymer films that show two absorption bands due to curcumin, acrylamide monomer (AA), and the crosslinking agent N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). Analysis of the real-time diffraction efficiency of these films shows a maximum of 16% for the sample with the highest curcumin concentration. Moreover, increasing the curcumin load enhanced the refractive index contrast from 7.8 × 10−4 for the photopolymer with the lowest curcumin load to 1.1 × 10−3 for the photopolymer with the largest load. The sensitivity and diffraction efficiency of the recorded gratings also increased from 7.0 to 9.8 cm·J−1 and from 7.9 to 16% with the increase in curcumin load, respectively. Finally, the influence of NaOH on the photopolymerization of the AA-curcumin-based sample shows a diffraction efficiency increase with the NaOH content, revealing that the curcumin enol form is more efficient as a photosensitizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of electronic microchip-based devices increases with advancements in technology, while their size decreases. This miniaturization leads to significant overheating of various electronic components, such as power transistors, processors, and power diodes, leading to a reduction in their lifespan and reliability. To address this issue, researchers are exploring the use of materials that offer efficient heat dissipation. One promising material is a polymer–boron nitride composite. This paper focuses on 3D printing using digital light processing of a model of a composite radiator with different boron nitride fillings. The measured absolute values of the thermal conductivity of such a composite in the temperature range of 3–300 K strongly depend on the concentration of boron nitride. Filling the photopolymer with boron nitride leads to a change in the behavior of the volt–current curves, which may be associated with the occurrence of percolation currents during the deposition of boron nitride. The ab initio calculations show the behavior and spatial orientation of BN flakes under the influence of an external electric field at the atomic level. These results demonstrate the potential use of photopolymer-based composite materials filled with boron nitride, which are manufactured using additive techniques, in modern electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing has provided the ability to manufacture complex structures using a wide variety of materials and geometries. Structures such as triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattices have been incorporated into products across many fields due to their unique combinations of mechanical, geometric, and physical properties. Yet, the near limitless possibility of combining geometry and material into these lattices leaves much to be discovered. This article provides a dataset of experimentally gathered tensile stress-strain curves and measured porosity values for 389 unique gyroid lattice structures manufactured using vat photopolymerization 3D printing. The lattice samples were printed from one of twenty different photopolymer materials available from either Formlabs, LOCTITE AM, or ETEC that range from strong and brittle to elastic and ductile and were printed on commercially available 3D printers, specifically the Formlabs Form2, Prusa SL1, and ETEC Envision One cDLM Mechanical. The stress-strain curves were recorded with an MTS Criterion C43.504 mechanical testing apparatus and following ASTM standards, and the void fraction or “porosity” of each lattice was measured using a calibrated scale. This data serves as a valuable resource for use in the development of novel printing materials and lattice geometries and provides insight into the influence of photopolymer material properties on the printability, geometric accuracy, and mechanical performance of 3D printed lattice structures. The data described in this article was used to train a machine learning model capable of predicting mechanical properties of 3D printed gyroid lattices based on the base mechanical properties of the printing material and porosity of the lattice in the research article [1].

In this study, caffeine-loaded photoresin composites with homogeneous structures, suitable for additive manufacturing of transdermal microneedle systems, were obtained. The properties of the composites with varying caffeine concentrations (0.1–0.4% w/w) were investigated for carbon–carbon double bond conversion using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, surface wettability and mechanical properties using a static tensile test and nanoindentation, and caffeine release in ethanol using UV-Vis. The caffeine concentration did not affect the final degree of double bond conversion, which was confirmed in tensile tests, where the strength and Young’s modulus of caffeine-loaded samples had comparable values to control ones. Samples with 0.1 and 0.2% caffeine content showed an increase in nanohardness and reduced elastic modulus of 50 MPa and 1.5 MPa, respectively. The good wettability of the samples with water and the increase in surface energy is a favorable aspect for the dedicated application of the obtained composite materials. The amount of caffeine released into the ethanol solution at 1, 3 and 7 days reached a maximum value of 81%, was higher for the lower concentration of caffeine in the sample and increased over time. The conducted research may enhance the potential application of composite materials obtained through the digital light processing method in additive manufacturing.

Polarized holographic properties play an important role in the holographic data storage of traditional organic recording materials. In this study, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was introduced into a phenanthraquinone-doped polymethylmethacrylate (PQ/PMMA) photopolymer to effectively improve the orthogonal polarization holographic properties of the material. Importantly, the lateral size of RGO nanosheets has an important influence on the polymerization of MMA monomers. To some extent, a larger RGO diameter is more conducive to promoting the polymerization of MMA monomers and can induce more PMMA polymers to be grafted on its surface, thus obtaining a higher PMMA molecular weight. However, too large of a RGO will lead to too much grafting of the PMMA chain to shorten the length of a single PMMA chain, which will lead to the degradation of PQ/PMMA holographic performance. Compared with the original PQ/PMMA, the diffraction efficiency of the RGO-doped PQ/PMMA photopolymer can reach more than 11.4% (more than 3.5 times higher than the original PQ/PMMA), and its photosensitivity is significantly improved by 4.6 times. This study successfully synthesized RGO-doped PQ/PMMA high-performance photopolymer functional materials for multi-dimensional holographic storage by introducing RGO nanoparticles. Furthermore, the polarization holographic properties of PQ/PMMA photopolymer materials can be further accurately improved to a new level.

Tools and products used in everyday life are regularly exposed to dynamic, cyclical stress. These stresses are particularly significant in the case of polymers, as their viscoelastic behavior means that creep can be considerable even at room temperature. Therefore, polymer components are often tested for maximum deformation rather than for maximum load-bearing capacity. Basic material testing methods are tensile, compression, and flexure tests, which are excellent for determining the material properties of the bulk material. However, in some cases, it is more appropriate to investigate surface mechanical properties. The ideal method for this is the depth-sensing indentation test. This method has been widely applied to polymers in the last ten years, but cyclic tests are rare, and creep is not considered in this type of indentation test. In the case of cyclical tests, temperature dependence is not fully examined, either. This paper presents the results of cyclic indentation tests on photopolymer specimens produced by additive manufacturing with the use of a dynamic mechanical analyzer with a unique indentation clamp. We performed the tests at three temperatures to investigate the influence of temperature on cyclic indentation tests. The test results show the variation of deformation between cycles and the significant effect of temperature.

As a result of the developments in additive manufacturing (AM) technology, 3D printing is transforming from a method used only in rapid prototyping to a technique used to produce large-scale equipment. This study presents the fabrication and experimental studies of a 3D-printed strain sensor that can be used directly in soft applications. Photopolymer-based conductive and flexible ultraviolet (UV) resin materials are used in the fabrication of the sensor. A Stereolithography (SLA)-based printer is preferred for 3D fabrication. The bottom base of the sensor, which consists of two parts, is produced from flexible UV resin, while the channels that should be conductive are produced from conductive UV resin. In total, a strain sensor with a thickness of 2 mm was produced. Experimental studies were carried out under loading and unloading conditions to observe the hysteresis effect of the sensor. The results showed a close linear relationship between the strain sensor and the measured resistance value. In addition, tensile test specimens were produced to observe the behavior of conductive and non-conductive materials. The tensile strength values obtained from the test results will provide information about the sensor placement. In addition, the flexible structure of the strain sensor will ensure its usability in many soft applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cost-effective stereolithography for medium-scale components is developed to fabricate 3D components with high build speed and resolution from photo-curable resin. The developed SLA utilizes a focused light beam of wavelength range (300 nm – 700 nm) coming from the DLP projector, passes through the objective lens, and finally is imposed on the platform containing a photo-curable resin layer. After focusing the light beam on the liquid resin layer, the photo-polymerization reaction occurs, and the liquid resin becomes solid. Thus, the 3D object is fabricated layer by layer, curing of liquid resin. The photopolymer used in this experiment is polyethylene glycol di-acrylate, and Irgacure 784 as photo-initiator. The Creo 3.0 software is used for the modeling of 3D objects. A special MATLAB code is developed for slicing of the 3D model and displaying the sliced image one by one through the DLP projector. The Arduino microcontroller with a stepper motor and ball screw is used to control the motion of the Z-stage platform. The Creation workshop software is also used to control the motion of the Z-stage and period to display the sliced images through the DLP projector. The medium-scale 3D objects with rectangular, square, and circular cross-sections are obtained by curing the aforementioned photo-curable resin. It is observed that the 3D objects are best cured for two seconds curing time with 0.1 mm curing depth along Z-axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Digital light processing (DLP) or stereolithography is the most promising method of additive manufacturing (3D printing) of products based on high-energy materials due to, first of all, the absence of a high-temperature impact on the material. This paper presents research results of an ultraviolet (UV)-cured urethane methacrylate polymer containing 70 wt.% of high-energy solid powder based on ammonium salts, which is intended for digital light processing. Polymerization of the initial slurry is studied herein. It is shown that the addition of coarse powder transparency for the UV radiation to resin increases its curing depth. The thickness of the layer, which can polymerize, varies from 600 µm to 2 mm when the light power density ranges from 20 to 400 mJ/cm2, respectively. In DLP-based 3D printing, the obtained material density is 92% of the full density, while the compressive strength is 29 ± 3 MPa, and the ultimate tensile strength is 13 ± 1.3 MPa. The thermogravimetric analysis shows the decrease in the thermal decomposition temperature of UV-cured resin with high-energy additives compared to the thermal decomposition temperatures of the initial components separately. Thermal decomposition is accompanied by intensive heat generation. The burning rate of obtained samples grows from 0.74 to 3.68 mm/s, respectively, at the pressure growth from 0.1 to 4 MPa. Based on the results, it can be concluded that DLP-based 3D printing with the proposed UV photocurable resin is rather promising for the fabrication of multicomponent high-energy systems and complex profile parts produced therefrom.

This paper presents a holographic sensor based on reflection holograms recorded in the commercial photopolymer Bayfol® HX 200. The recording geometry and index modulation of the hologram were optimised to improve accuracy for this specific application. The sensor was subjected to tests using various analytes, and it exhibited sensitivity to acetic acid and ethanol. The measurements revealed a correlation between the concentration of the analyte in contact with the sensor’s surface and the resulting wavelength shift of the diffracted light. The minimum detectable concentrations were determined to be above 0.09 mol/dm3 for acetic acid and 5% (v/v) for ethanol. Notably, the sensors demonstrated a rapid response time. Given that ethanol serves as a base for alcoholic beverages, and acetic acid is commonly found in commercial vinegar, these sensors hold promise for applications in food quality control.

In this study, a bio-based acrylate resin derived from soybean oil was used in combination with a reactive diluent, isobornyl acrylate, to synthetize a composite scaffold reinforced with bioactive glass particles. The formulation contained acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO), isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), a photo-initiator (Irgacure 819) and a bioactive glass particle. The resin showed high reactivity towards radical photopolymerisation, and the presence of the bioactive glass did not significantly affect the photocuring process. The 3D-printed samples showed different properties from the mould-polymerised samples. The glass transition temperature Tg showed an increase of 3D samples with increasing bioactive glass content, attributed to the layer-by-layer curing process that resulted in improved interaction between the bioactive glass and the polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed an optimal distribution on bioactive glass within the samples. Compression tests indicated that the 3D-printed sample exhibited higher modulus compared to mould-synthetized samples, proving the enhanced mechanical behaviour of 3D-printed scaffolds. The cytocompatibility and biocompatibility of the samples were evaluated using human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bMSCs). The metabolic activity and attachment of cells on the samples’ surfaces were analysed, and the results demonstrated higher metabolic activity and increased cell attachment on the surfaces containing higher bioactive glass content. The viability of the cells was further confirmed through live/dead staining and reseeding experiments. Overall, this study presents a novel approach for fabricating bioactive glass reinforced scaffolds using 3D printing technology, offering potential applications in tissue engineering.