UC San Diego

Understanding the physical and chemical properties of biomaterials in rapid 3D printing could pave a way for the construction of complex structures with specific functionalities. Both the material conditions and printing techniques play crucial roles in modulating these properties. This dissertation was dedicated to answering the basic questions about how to engineer and improve the mechanical performance of rapidly 3D printed structure from synthesis and printing process. Three distinct groups of materials, namely plastic, soft hydrogels, and elastomeric polymers were used as case studies to reveal their relationships. Additionally, the toughening mechanism of networks with different mechanical properties was discovered and tested. These results could help future studies in rapid prototyping of medical devices, as well as adapting 3D printing in tissue engineering as a new direction.