The present invention relates to novel polymeric compositions that exhibit
Reverse Thermal Gelation (RTG) properties for use as Support Materials
(SM) in the manufacture of three-dimensional objects. These polymers are
Temperature Sensitive Polymers that respond with a significant change of
properties to a small change in temperature. Temperature Sensitive
Polymers exhibit cloud point (CP) or lower critical solution temperature
(LCST) in aqueous solutions. Water-soluble Temperature Sensitive Polymers
are chosen to give low viscosity liquid at low temperature when dissolved
in water and by that to permit easy dispensing at low temperature.
Raising the temperature above their gelation temperature (T.sub.gel) will
result in solidification of the composition. At its gel position the
material has favorable characteristics as a support and building
material. The gel layers have the appropriate toughness and dimensional
stability to support the model layers during the building process. After
the building process is completed the gel can be cooled down to a
temperature below its T.sub.gel so the gel can liquefy and be removed
easily by rinsing with water.