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Selective Reactivity of Myrcene for Vat Photopolymerization 3D Printing and Postfabrication Surface Modification
Andrew C Weems1, Kayla R Delle Chiaie1, Rachel Yee1,2
1Department of Chemistry , University of Birmingham , Birmingham , United Kingdom B15 2TT.
Biomacromolecules
|October 8, 2019
Summary
Biosourced polymyrcene resins offer tunable properties for 3D printing. This study explores their molecular architecture and demonstrates adaptable surface hydrophobicity for advanced manufacturing applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Manufacturing
Background:
- Limited availability of biosourced materials for advanced manufacturing, particularly photopolymerization.
- Terpenes, like myrcene, offer alkene functionalities suitable for polymerization.
- Need for novel photopolymer resins with tunable bulk and surface properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate polymyrcene as a 3D printing photopolymer resin.
- To explore the impact of molecular architecture on material properties.
- To demonstrate tunable surface functionalization for diverse applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized free-radical and anionic polymerization to control molecular weight and branching.
- Printed polymyrcene resins into dogbones and mold templates.
- Performed post-polymerization functionalization using monofunctional thiols.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized polymyrcene resins with controlled molecular characteristics.
- Demonstrated 3D printing of polymyrcene into functional shapes.
- Achieved tunable surface hydrophobicity, ranging from superhydrophobic (>100°) to hydrophilic (<45°).
Conclusions:
- Polymyrcene is a viable biosourced photopolymer for 3D printing.
- Tunable bulk and surface properties are achievable through controlled polymerization and functionalization.
- Offers potential for diverse research and industrial applications in advanced manufacturing.
