Semi-crystalline and amorphous materials via multi-temperature 3D printing from one formulation

Michael Göschl, Dominik Laa, Thomas Koch, Evan Constable, Xin Liu, Andrei Pimenov, Jürgen Stampfl, Robert Liska and Katharina Ehrmann ()
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Michael Göschl: Getreidemarkt 9/163
Dominik Laa: Getreidemarkt 9/308
Thomas Koch: Getreidemarkt 9/308
Evan Constable: Wiedner Hauptstraße 8
Xin Liu: Wiedner Hauptstraße 8
Andrei Pimenov: Wiedner Hauptstraße 8
Jürgen Stampfl: Getreidemarkt 9/308
Robert Liska: Getreidemarkt 9/163
Katharina Ehrmann: Getreidemarkt 9/163

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Multi-material 3D printing concerns the use of two or more 3D printable materials within a single printed part. The result is a composite that benefits from the combined properties of the individual 3D printed materials. Typically, a distinct differentiation between material properties can only be achieved using multiple feedstocks and advanced engineering solutions. In this work, we create multi-material 3D printed photopolymer parts from a single monomer mixture through simple adjustments in printing temperature and light intensity. We achieve this by employing a liquid crystalline (LC) monomer that forms a highly stable LC phase in conjunction with a trifunctional thiol crosslinker. A drastic change in mechanical and optical properties was achieved depending on the presence of an LC phase during polymerization. The proof of principle from bulk experiments could be translated fully into 3D printing, achieving pixel-to-pixel resolution of the material properties solely guided by changing the printing parameters temperature and light intensity. The versatility of produced multi-material composite parts is demonstrated in shape memory applications and methods for chemical data storage and encryption.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64092-9

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