Three-dimensional printing of nanoscaled organic-inorganic siloxane hybrid composites via stereolithography

Abstract

This study presents the development and successful 3D printing of nanostructured organic-inorganic siloxane hybrid composites via stereolithography (SLA). A UV-reactive and resin-soluble methacrylolsobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (MPOSS) nanohybrid is employed as a compatible and functional filler to methacrylate resin (MA) via a facile direct dispersion method. Complex and high-resolution hybrid constructs are 3D printed via in-situ photopolymerization at 405 nm wavelength. Thermogravimetric, mechanical, and wettability analysis reveal different attributes of MPOSS-MA nanocomposites filled with different amounts of MPOSS. The 3D‐printed structures show unique thermal, physicomechanical, and surface properties that can lead to excellent potential for new applications in the field of SLA 3D printing.