Itaconic-Acid-Based Sustainable Poly(ester amide) Resin for Stereolithography

Area of Science:

• Material Science
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Material science traditionally relies on petroleum, hindering sustainability.
• Renewable feedstocks are crucial for developing eco-friendly alternatives.
• Additive manufacturing offers sustainable replacements for energy-intensive processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel bio-based ink for stereolithography.
• To evaluate the suitability of this ink for the textile fashion industry.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of a photocurable poly(ester amide) (PEA) from renewable resources.
• Incorporation of citrate and itaconate cross-linkers, photopolymerization initiators, terminators, and dyes.
• Characterization of mechanical properties and biocompatibility of 3D-printed objects.

Main Results:

• A novel bio-based ink for stereolithography was successfully formulated.
• The 3D-printed objects exhibited specific mechanical features.
• The relative biocompatibility of the printed materials was assessed.

Conclusions:

• The developed bio-based ink is a promising sustainable material.
• The material shows potential for application in the textile fashion industry.
• Further research can explore broader applications of this renewable material.