3D-printable polymers with tunable ionic charge
This technology is a 3D printing method that builds objects layer by layer using specially formulated polymers made from polyols and ionic monomers. The key innovation is controlling the electrical charge density of the polymer material within a precise range during the printing process. By describing the object digitally as a grid of volume pixels (voxels) and then physically creating each one with this charged polymer, the method enables fine-tuned material properties in the final printed object. The ionic character of the polymer likely imparts functional properties such as water retention, adhesion, or biocompatibility that standard 3D printing resins lack.
What you could build
A specialty 3D printing material system or printer configuration for producing ionically charged polymer parts, most likely sold to biomedical device manufacturers, filtration membrane producers, or specialty chemical companies needing functional polymer structures with tunable charge properties.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense contractors, biomedical device firms near the Richmond or Northern Virginia corridor, or polymer research groups at Virginia Tech or UVA would be plausible partners or licensees.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- —
- Granted
- January 28, 2020
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 102805
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.