Influence of exposure time on mechanical properties and photocuring conversion ratios for photosensitive materials used in additive manufacturing

Abstract

The influence of UV post - curing process on mechanical properties as well as photocuring conversion ratios is presented. An analytical model to determinate the conversion ratio for frontal polymerization is used t o define 3D printing parameters in order to obtain a conversion profile as homogeno us as possible. The mechanical properties of 3D p rinted coupons with and without UV post - curing process were obtained through experimental tensile and bending tests. Furthermore, the experimental conversion ratios of printed samples were obtained by means of FTIR spectrometry analysis. It was observed that conversion ratios and some mechanical properties increase because of UV post - curing treatment, enabling the chance to optimize the whole manufacturing process in function of the 3D printed part requiremen ts.