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Initiator-Free Recyclable Anthracene-Based Photocurable Resin Enabling Sustainable 3D Printing via Single- and
Masaru Mukai1, Wakana Miyadai2, Seina Matsubara2
1Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan.
ACS Omega
|March 16, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel anthracene-based resin for 3D printing. This recyclable resin enables sustainable microfabrication through reversible photodimerization, eliminating the need for additional recycling agents.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- High-resolution 3D printing techniques like stereolithography produce complex microstructures.
- Current 3D printed materials suffer from high cross-linking, limiting recyclability.
- Existing recycling methods often require photoinitiators and additional reagents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a recyclable photocurable resin for high-resolution 3D printing.
- To enable reversible solid-liquid phase transitions for material reprocessing.
- To reduce waste and enhance sustainability in additive manufacturing.
Main Methods:
- Development of an anthracene-based photocurable resin utilizing reversible photodimerization.
- Fabrication of 3D microstructures using two-photon stereolithography.
- Testing of the resin's recyclability through multiple reprocessing cycles.
Main Results:
- The developed resin enables phase transitions between solid and liquid states without photoinitiators or additives.
- Successfully fabricated and recycled 3D microstructures over ten times with minimal degradation.
- Demonstrated compatibility with both two-photon and single-photon microstereolithography.
Conclusions:
- The anthracene-based resin offers a sustainable solution for high-resolution 3D printing.
- Reversible photodimerization is a viable mechanism for creating recyclable 3D printed materials.
- This approach paves the way for greener additive manufacturing processes.
