TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 3D Printable Polymer Formulations with Photo-selective Polymerization and Degradation Pathways

Opportunity:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its A 2D and 3D patternable photopolymer resin formulation having dual photopolymerizable and photodegradation functionalities at different wavelengths of light.

Background:

The challenge of creating a photopolymer resin capable of polymerization at one range of wavelengths with the added capability of depolymerization at a different range of wavelengths is an ongoing work in polymer formulation development. The photo-selectivity of both processes allows for deliberate and spatially accurate control for adding and removing polymer materials.  This has great relevance to the development of new photoresist technology as well as advancing additive manufacturing where subtractive capabilities are of growing importance. 

Description:

LLNL inventors have developed a photopolymer resin formulation that consists of a (1) pH labile monomers, (2) a photoinitiator, (3) a photoacid or photobase generator, (4) other additives including, reactive and unreactive diluents, and pH stabilizers. When exposed to radiation in a specific wavelength region, component 2 initiates polymerization with 1 to form a pH sensitive network. Subsequent degradation of the network can then be initiated via the activation of component 3 by radiation of a second wavelength region. The combination of the components enables the resin to be polymerized and degraded via photoenabled processes using different wavelengths of light (UV and visible). This dual photo functionality at different wavelengths of light is one of the key innovation of this polymer formulation. 

Advantages/Benefits: 

1. Uses visible light to trigger photopolymerization.
2. Uses UV light to trigger photodegradation to liquid byproducts.
3. Liquid byproducts should be more easily reused as chemical feedstock.
4. The degradation mechanism of the 3D printed polymer system relies on chemical attack of polymer chain via acid or base chemistry induced via UV light rather than changes to polymer functionalities to induce solubility differences.

Potential Applications: 

Recyclable plastics, degradable polymer mold, dynamic 3D printed polymer casts, photoresists

Development Status: 

Current stage of technology development:  TRL-3

LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. 

Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Note:  THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT.  Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's 3D Printable Polymer Formulations with Photo-selective Polymerization and Degradation Pathways should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following:

1. Company Name and address.
2. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact.
3. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology.

Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's 3D Printable Polymer Formulations with Photo-selective Polymerization and Degradation Pathways.  The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL’s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below.

Written responses should be directed to:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Innovation and Partnerships Office

P.O. Box 808, L-779

Livermore, CA  94551-0808

Attention:   IL-13952