Volume shrinkage and conversion rate of Al2O3 ceramic stereolithography suspension polymerised by ultraviolet light

• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2021.124661
• Publication Date: 2021-05-01T09:37:16Z
• Authors: Chuchu Qian; Kehui Hu; Zhigang Lu; Peijie Li
• Keywords: Shrinkage; Stereolithography; Light intensity

Abstract The volume shrinkage and conversion rate are important factors determining the defect generation and accuracy control of green parts in ceramic stereolithography. In this study, a specific laser reflection method with coverslips and real-time Fourier-transform infrared (RT-FTIR) spectroscopy were used to determine the effects of the double-bond concentration, monomer ratio, photoinitiator, and incident light intensity on the real-time volume shrinkage and conversion rate. A slurry with a lower double-bond concentration obtained by using a solvent exhibited a smaller shrinkage. The shrinkage law for pure resin wasn't applicable owing to the ceramic particles. The mixing of ethoxylated pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PPTTA) and 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate in suitable ratios promoted the conversion. In addition, the PPTTA could regulate the overall shrinkage. The photoinitiator had a small effect on the shrinkage. A high light intensity increased shrinkage significantly, while the conversion rate determined the shrinkage at a low light intensity.