3D Printed CO₂ -Based Triblock Copolymers and Post-Printing Modification

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• 3D Printing

Background:

• Triblock copolymers offer versatile material properties.
• 3D printing enables complex structure fabrication.
• Post-modification of printed materials enhances functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile synthesis and 3D printing method for triblock copolymers.
• To demonstrate covalent modification of polymer surfaces.
• To create tunable porous materials with advanced applications.

Main Methods:

• One-pot, two-step synthesis of triblock copolymers using a salenCo(III)TFA/PPNTFA catalyst and 1,2-propanediol.
• Formulation of thixotropic inks with block copolymers and NaCl particles for direct ink write printing.
• Fabrication of porous structures via solvent/NaCl removal and post-modification using UV-initiated thiol-ene click reactions or tetra-thiol cross-linking.

Main Results:

• Efficient synthesis and 3D printing of triblock copolymers with tailored thermal and mechanical properties.
• Successful surface modification of printed porous structures via click chemistry.
• Creation of solvent-resistant and selectively degradable objects through cross-linking.

Conclusions:

• The developed strategy provides a versatile platform for creating functional 3D printed materials.
• Covalent modification and cross-linking offer pathways to advanced material properties.
• This approach facilitates the design of custom materials for diverse applications.