Inorganic-organic hybrid polymers for printing of optical components: from digital light processing to inkjet 3D-printing.

Solvent-free inorganic-organic hybrid polymers were prepared for digital light processing (DLP) and ink-jet printing. The resins were characterized in terms of viscosity, surface tension, and refractive index. Optical bulk components were prepared with both printing techniques and compared regarding their surface roughness and optical scattering. The haze of DLP-samples can be avoided by inkjet 3D printing. Moreover, different quantum dots (QD) could be incorporated into resins; DLP resulted in complex 3D assemblies. Highlights: Synthesis of solvent-free inorganic-organic hybrid resins. Viscosity and surface tension suitable for DLP and ink-jet technology. Quantum dots can be incorporated to result in functional composites. Printing of bulk optical components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]