Exploring 3D Printing of Pure Poly(ionic liquids) and Blends with Commercial Resins

Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing (3D printing) process where objects are printed layer by layer via photopolymerization and crosslinking using a liquid resin. This project focuses on the integration of poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) into value-added composites with commercial resins, processed via SLA. This work explores the utilization of two commercial photocurable resins, ABS or acrylate-based, interfaced with common vinylimidazolium-based PILs: [C2vim][Tf2N] and [C4vim][Tf2N] to analyze the influence of functionality, ionic content, and composition on the conductivity and mechanical properties of each composite. A wide range of suitable mass ratios (PIL:Resin ~ 90:10 – 0:100), were studied in order to evaluate the structure-property relationships of these 3D printed blends. The SLA 3D-printing conditions were developed and optimized for each composition, utilizing a benchtop SLA-LED printer (λ ~ 405 nm, I· = BAPO), the incorporation and curing of the PIL and ABS or acrylate components was confirmed using FTIR. The physical and mechanical properties were evaluated directly after printing or following a post-print curing step.