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Realizing Vat-Photocycloaddition 3D Printing with Recyclable Synthetic Photorheological Silicone Fluids
Minami Oka1, Hideaki Takagi2, Akihiro Orie3
1Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|August 23, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a recyclable photorheological silicone fluid that reversibly converts between liquid and rubber states using specific light wavelengths. This innovation enables tunable mechanical properties, photodismantlable adhesives, and 3D printing of silicone rubber.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Synthetic silicone rubbers offer diverse applications but lack greener alternatives with tunable, recyclable properties.
- Current silicone materials often face limitations in processability and environmental impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a recyclable photorheological silicone fluid (RPSF) with reversible liquid-rubber conversion.
- To enable wavelength-selective control over mechanical properties for advanced applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reversible photocycloaddition of coumarin upon alternating UV light irradiation (365 nm and 254 nm).
- Conducted rheological studies to quantify changes in storage modulus.
- Demonstrated applications in photodismantlable adhesives and vat-photocycloaddition 3D printing.
Main Results:
- Achieved over 100,000-fold increase in storage modulus (20–50 kPa) upon UV365 irradiation, reversible to ≈0.01 kPa with UV254.
- Demonstrated complete reversibility of liquid-rubber states via light control.
- Successfully fabricated photodismantlable adhesives and enabled 3D printing of silicone rubber.
Conclusions:
- The developed RPSF offers a sustainable and tunable platform for silicone materials.
- The reversible photocycloaddition mechanism opens new avenues for smart adhesives and additive manufacturing.
- This work addresses the demand for greener silicone rubbers with enhanced functionality and recyclability.
