Events

Seeing the Light: Projection-Based 3D Printing in the Visible Spectrum

ABSTRACT

Light as an energy source has enabled transformative technologies in imaging, lithography, adhesives, and 3D printing. Its broad utility arises from the unparalleled spatiotemporal control over chemical transformations that it offers. However, contemporary methods rely on high energy UV light (< 400 nm), which limits material compatibility due to degradation and attenuation that occurs upon absorption and/or scattering. Excitingly, the recent commercialization of inexpensive light emitting diodes has opened up an avenue to examine mild visible light-induced reactions in materials science. This presentation will focus on how the ZAP Group has developed low energy light driven polymerizations to generate 3D objects with unprecedented speed and precision. Specifically, catalyst design principles to enable rapid solidification of photopolymer resins using visible-to-near infrared light will be discussed, along with their utility and optimization in high resolution visible light additive manufacturing.

BIO

Dr. Page obtained his B.S. in chemistry at Juniata College where he began research in organic synthesis, focusing on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and donor-acceptor semiconductors, under the guidance of Prof. I. David Reingold. He spent three months abroad at the University of Cambridge, UK, working on the synthesis of novel conjugated polyelectrolytes under the advisement of Prof. Wilhelm Huck. After graduating from Juniata, Dr. Page carried out his Ph.D. studies in the laboratories of Prof. Todd Emrick at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His doctoral research focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel conjugated polymer zwitterions, and their integration into organic solar cells. In 2015, he began his postdoctoral research with Prof. Craig J. Hawker at the University of California Santa Barbara, studying photochemical transformations in the areas of organic electronics and 3D printing. Dr. Page began as an assistant faculty member of the Chemistry Department at the University of Texas at Austin starting July 2018, with continued research interests in the broad fields of macromolecular synthesis and materials science. Dr. Page is also on the Graduate Studies Committee for Chemical Engineering and the Texas Materials Institute at UT Austin to directly advise graduate students in the associated programs.

Center for Additive Manufacturing and Design Innovation