3D printing of skin-mimicking materials using uv-induced frontal polymerization
This innovative 3D printing technique uses UV-induced frontal polymerization to rapidly produce skin-mimicking materials from PDMS and epoxy resins, with customizable stiffness for applications like prosthetic covers and robotic skin.
Overview
The proposed solution leverages UV-induced frontal polymerization to advance the field of 3D printing by enabling the rapid production of skin-mimicking materials. By optimizing the UV light intensity and the formulation of PDMS and epoxy-based resins, this technology allows for the instant curing of materials that mimic the mechanical properties of human skin. This capability is crucial for applications such as prosthetic covers and robotic skin, where material flexibility and stiffness are essential.
Technical specifications
- Materials Used: Blends of PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) resin and epoxy-based frontal resins.
- Customization: Adjustable stiffness through varying weight ratios of PDMS and epoxy resins (e.g., 10:90, 30:70, 50:50).
- Curing Process: Utilizes UV-induced frontal polymerization, creating a self-sustaining curing front for rapid cross-linking.
- Printing Parameters: Includes optimization of layer height, UV exposure time, and printing speed.
- Validation: Comparison of mechanical properties with human skin standards and demonstration in real-world applications like prosthetic covers.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3. The technology has successfully demonstrated the potential for instant cross-linking in laboratory settings and is undergoing further development and validation to optimize resin formulations and 3D printing parameters.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a comprehensive private research university in upstate New York, pairing fundamental inquiry with applied, industry-facing work. Industry engagement is anchored by a downtown innovation campus with co-located university–industry labs, pilot-scale testbeds, and flexible prototyping spaces. A centralized corporate partnerships office and experiential learning pipelines link R&D teams to faculty and student talent through sponsored research, internships, and capstone collaborations. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense. A dedicated technology transfer office and campus-linked incubators streamline IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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