Thiol-Yne Photocurable Isosorbide-Derived Networks: Formulation and 3D Printing

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Organic Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Isosorbide, a biobased monomer, offers a rigid V-shaped structure for polymer applications.
• Growing industrial interest in isosorbide and its derivatives for sustainable materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel thiol-yne photoresins from isosorbide and its epimers.
• To investigate the photopolymerization behavior and network properties.
• To explore surface modification and 3D printing capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of dipropargyl derivatives of isosorbide, isomannide, and isoidide using dialkyl carbonate chemistry and 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]-dec-5-ene (TBD) catalysis.
• Photopolymerization using trimethylolpropane tris-(3-mercaptopropionate) as a trifunctional thiol.
• Characterization via real-time Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis.
• Surface modification with poly-(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) and contact angle measurements.
• 3D printing using digital light processing (DLP).

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of novel biobased dialkyne monomers from isosorbide derivatives.
• Efficient photopolymerization kinetics and network formation were observed.
• Tunable material properties and enhanced hydrophilicity achieved through surface modification.
• Accurate 3D-printed structures demonstrated the viability of the optimized formulation.

Conclusions:

• Novel biobased thiol-yne photoresins were successfully prepared from isosorbide derivatives.
• The materials exhibit promising photopolymerization characteristics and tunable properties.
• The developed photoresins are suitable for advanced applications such as 3D printing.