FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LOW-DENSITY POLYMERIC MATERIALS WITH 3D MICROSTRUCTURES

Abstract

Low-density polymeric materials with octet-truss and quad-truss 3D microstructures were studied. The materials with 3D microstructures were created using digital light processing technology with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The mechanical properties of the materials with different relative densities were characterized in air and water. The experimental results were also compared and analyzed with the results from simulation studies. This work reveals that the material with octet-truss microstructures stand at least three times higher deformation than the materials with quad-truss microstructures. The polymeric material with internal 3D microstructures also shows a higher water absorption rate than the same material without internal microstructures.