Experimental investigations into additive manufacturing of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers using solvent cast 3D printing technique

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the successful 3D printing of styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene (SEBS) block copolymers using solvent-cast 3D printing (SC-3DP) technique. Design/methodology/approach Three different Kraton grade SEBS block copolymers were used to prepare viscous polymer solutions (ink) in three different solvents, namely, toluene, cyclopentane and tetrahydrofuran. Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) were taken into account to understand the solvent–polymer interactions. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy was used to analyze transmittance behavior of different inks. Printability of ink samples was compared in terms of shape retention capability, solvent evaporation and shear viscosity. Dimensional deviations in 3D-printed parts were evaluated in terms of percentage shrinkage. Surface morphology of 3D-printed parts was investigated by scanning electron microscope. In addition, mechanical properties and rheology of the SC-3D-printed SEBS samples were also investigated. Findings HSP analysis revealed toluene to be the most suitable solvent for SC-3DP. Cyclopentane showed a strong preferential solubility toward the ethylene–butylene block. Microscopic surface cracks were present on tetrahydrofuran ink-based 3D-printed samples. SC-3D-printed samples exhibited high elongation at break (up to 2,200%) and low tension set (up to 9%). Practical implications SC-3DP proves to be an effective fabrication route for complex SEBS parts overcoming the challenges associated with fused deposition modeling. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first report investigating the effect of different solvents on physicomechanical properties of SC-3D-printed SEBS block copolymer samples.

Improving 3D printability and interlayer adhesion in ABS/PP immiscible polymer blends

“…Rheological properties of polymer blends such as shear viscosity, storage modulus, loss modulus, loss tangent and die swell have a strong influence on the printability, layer formability, and final quality of the 3D printed objects 26–29 . The viscosity of neat PP was found to be the lowest as when compared to neat ABS in the tested frequency range of 0.01–100 rad/s, suggesting the ability of PP to act as a matrix and ABS being as a dispersed phase in the developed blend.…”

Optimization of process parameters of 3D printed thermoplastic elastomeric materials using statistical modeling with particular reference to mechanical properties and print quality

“…Response surface methodology was needed for modeling and analyzing the selected printing process parameters on the quality of the 3D printed specimens. The range of the input parameters was predicted according to the previous studies and pilot experiments [12]. The regression equation for the response can be expressed in the form of Eq.…”

“…Moreover, soft filament will buckle causing poor material extrusion leading to poor part fabrication. Thus, the FDM process is incompatible for soft filament materials such as elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers [12,13]. On the other hand, the DIW technique could be employed to print soft materials like elastomers or thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in liquid or semi-liquid phases [14][15][16].…”

Stimuli–Responsive Mechanoadaptive Elastomeric Composite Materials: Challenges, Opportunities, and New Approaches

“…[ 185–188 ] There are however challenges associated with 3D printed elastomeric materials due their very high viscosity, poor column strength, poor bed adhesion, poor interlayer adhesion, and issues with curing. [ 189,190 ] 4D printing is a rapidly developing method for producing dynamic, shape‐altering, or demanding responsive devices over time. [ 191 ] The concept of 4D printing appears to be implemented through the manufacturing of 3D structures that can adapt to their environment.…”