Biobased Photopolymer Resin for 3D Printing Containing Dynamic Imine Bonds for Fast Reprocessability

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Acrylic photopolymer resins are prevalent in stereolithography (3D printing).
• Current resins contribute to waste and fossil fuel depletion, necessitating sustainable alternatives.
• Biobased and recyclable thermoset materials are increasingly in demand.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a photo-cross-linkable molecule with dynamic imine bonds from biobased vanillin and dimer fatty diamine.
• To formulate and characterize novel biobased vitrimers for 3D printing.
• To demonstrate the recyclability and reprocessing capabilities of the developed materials.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a photo-cross-linkable molecule incorporating dynamic imine bonds.
• Formulation of resins with biobased building blocks, reactive diluent, and photoinitiator.
• UV light-induced cross-linking and digital light processing (DLP) for 3D printing.
• Evaluation of mechanical properties, thermal stability, and reprocessing characteristics.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized a photo-cross-linkable molecule from renewable resources.
• Developed UV-curable formulations yielding rigid and thermally stable vitrimers.
• Achieved rapid reprocessing of 3D-printed parts within 5 minutes at elevated temperature and pressure.
• Demonstrated that increased imine bond concentration enhances stress relaxation and mechanical rigidity.

Conclusions:

• The study presents a viable pathway for creating biobased and recyclable 3D printing resins.
• The developed vitrimers show promise for sustainable additive manufacturing and circular economy principles.
• This work contributes to reducing environmental impact in the 3D printing industry.