Cavity vat photopolymerisation for additive manufacturing of polymer-composite 3D objects

Abstract Vat photopolymerisation describes resin-based additive manufacturing processes in which ultraviolet light is used to layer-wise solidify liquid resin into a desired 3D shape. If the starting dual-curing formulation object also thermally cured attain its final properties, obtaining either an elastomer or thermoset. Here, we introduce cavity vat photopolymerisation, one photopolymer produces composite material of and Cavities any geometry are purposefully designed solid then filled with during printing due negative pressure. Thermal curing solidifies cavities elastomer, forming distinct interface held together by strong covalent bonds. Hybrid specimens indicate improved damping, reduced fragmentation upon fracture increased local elasticity, suggest several hard-shell/soft-core applications that might benefit.