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3D Printing and In Situ Surface Modification via Type I Photoinitiated Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization
Published on: February 18, 2022
i3DP, a robust 3D printing approach enabling genetic post-printing surface modification
Xiaolong Wang1, Xiaobing Cai, Qiuquan Guo
1State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|September 5, 2013
Summary
A new 3D printing method, initiator integrated 3D printing (i3DP), allows for functional materials with customizable surfaces. This technique enables complex structures to be modified after printing, opening up diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Traditional 3D printing often results in materials with limited surface functionality.
- Post-printing surface modification can be challenging, especially for complex geometries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel 3D printing technique enabling facile surface modification of printed materials.
- To create functional structural materials with tunable surface properties.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of a vinyl-terminated initiator into UV-curable resin.
- Utilizing 3D printing technology to fabricate complex architectures.
- Employing surface-initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) for post-printing modification.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed initiator integrated 3D printing (i3DP).
- Demonstrated the ability to perform surface-initiated modification on complex 3D printed structures.
- Achieved functionalization for various applications, including creating a sieve capable of holding water.
Conclusions:
- i3DP is a feasible method for creating 3D printed functional materials.
- The technique allows for versatile and precise surface modifications on complex architectures.
- This approach broadens the applicability of 3D printing in creating advanced functional materials.
