Synthesis and Characterization of Fiber-Reinforced Resorcinol Epoxy Acrylate Applied to Stereolithography 3D Printing

Abstract

As perceived, fiber-reinforced photocuring resins possess various distinctive advantages over traditional reinforced resin systems. This includes a rapid curing rate, energy efficiency, no volatile organic compounds, high strength, good thermal stability, and chemical resistance. Printing 3D composite objects using vat polymerization techniques has been a center of interest where photocuring resins are applied. In our present study, we have synthesized resorcinol-based diglycidyl ether, that is, a resorcinol-based epoxy resin, and further acrylated to the resorcinol epoxy acrylate oligomer. This oligomer was further formulated to photocuring resins using a suitable quantity of reactive diluents and photoinitiators. Now, three types of synthetic fibers, that is, glass fibers, nylon fibers, and polyester fibers, were incorporated in this formulated resin at different loading percentages. The oligomer synthesized was analyzed for structural conformation using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and13C nuclear magnetic resonance. Further, we comparatively examined the rheological behavior of prepared formulations, and compatible formulations were applied to stereolithography 3D printers. Finally, physical, mechanical, thermal, transmittance, and morphological characteristics were comparatively analyzed for prepared UV-cured composites. The outcomes obtained during characterizations of UV-cured composites will be inevitably reflected in 3D-printed objects.