3D printable silicone compositions exhibiting high toughness and low durometer

Schmidt, Spencer C.; Grondz, Jake J.; Ford, Michael J.; Armas, Jeremy A.; Alexopoulos, Andrew D.; Mendoza, Joshua T.; Loeb, Colin K.; Lenhardt, Jeremy M.

doi:10.1557/s43578-025-01590-y

3D printable silicone compositions exhibiting high toughness and low durometer

Journal Article · Tue May 13 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · Journal of Materials Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1557/s43578-025-01590-y· OSTI ID:2575664

^[1]; Grondz, Jake J. ^[1]; ^[1]; ^[1]; Alexopoulos, Andrew D. ^[1]; Mendoza, Joshua T. ^[1]; Loeb, Colin K. ^[1]; Lenhardt, Jeremy M. ^[1]

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

3D printable silicones can be designed with varying crosslink density, network structures, and types of reinforcing additives. Within this design space, one may tailor the uncured material’s rheology and mechanical response to access a wide range of potential applications. However, printable, low modulus silicones, particularly those applicable to direct ink write, are underreported in published literature. To address the need for higher performance, low modulus silicones with demonstrated printability, a new set of ca. 20–50 Shore A hardness silicone elastomers exhibiting ca. 7 MPa ultimate tensile strength and ca. 400–1200% elongation at break is presented. Mechanical properties were analyzed, providing insight to the effects of formulation constituents on mechanical properties. Cyclic mechanical testing of the silicone formulations was also performed, and the energy loss and permanent set throughout cycling were determined. In conclusion, printed structures demonstrate the feasibility of these new silicones as durable frameworks for novel soft device applications.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC52-07NA27344

OSTI ID:: 2575664

Report Number(s):: LLNL--JRNL-870250

Journal Information:: Journal of Materials Research, Journal Name: Journal of Materials Research Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 40; ISSN 0884-2914; ISSN 2044-5326

Publisher:: Springer NatureCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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