Microtruss structures with enhanced elasticity fabricated through visible light photocuring

Abstract

We report on the fabrication of an open cellular solid structure using visible light photocuring in combination with light-induced self-writing. A visible light sensitive photopolymer is irradiated with multiple arrays of microscale optical beams, which are generated from LEDs. These beams undergo self-trapping and elicit the inscription of microscale, solid struts into the medium. This process creates a structure consisting of multiple, intersecting struts that form a microtruss structure. Such structures retain their elasticity at higher temperatures as compared to a bulk film of the same thickness. This is the first demonstration of visible light photocuring of photopolymers into a microtruss structure, as well as investigation into their elastic properties under tension. Keywords: Polymers, Self-trapping, Microstructures, Cellular solids