3D-printing and low-smoke PIN FR projects

DTNW will develop acrylate-based PIN FRs for 3D-printing and improved PIN smoke suppression for natural fibres.

Today, 50% or more of German manufacturing companies use 3D printing. Stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) are 3D printing technologies that operate based on photopolymerization methods. Acrylate-based resins containing a photoinitiator are typically used, and a laser or projector serves as the light source in the printer, curing the resin with UV light. This technology can produce high-quality objects with resolutions down to 10 µm and a smooth surface. However, there are few compatible flame-retardant solutions because of the challenges of incorporating FRs into the printing polymer. DTNW (Deutsches Textilforschungszentrum Nord-West), together with SKZ KFE gGmbH, aims to integrate PIN FR components into acrylates to address this challenge and to develop an environmentally friendly PIN FR solution for SLA and DLP printing.

In a second project, with EU funding, DTNW aims to develop low-toxicity boron-based synergists to further reduce smoke in PIN FR systems for natural fibre composites. Boron is an effective smoke suppressant by creating a glassy surface char and by catalysing char formation from organic compounds released in a fire. Compounds with lower toxicity risks than boric acid will be tested, including boronates, boron-carbon compounds, and boron-nitrogen compounds. The aim is to achieve railway smoke standards (EN 45545-2).

Contact: Thomas Mayer-Gall ed.wn1775950284td@ll1775950284ag-re1775950284yam1775950284 - Wael Ali  ed.wn1775950284td@il1775950284a1775950284 – photo: DTNW.