Advancing sustainability in vat photopolymerization through photopolymer resin design
Traditional 3D printing processes are often constrained by the irreversibility of the final printed shape. Reconfiguration requires reprinting and discarding the previous structure, contributing to material waste. In contrast, embedding dynamic covalent bonds into the polymeric network enables reshaping and reprocessing post-fabrication thus granting a second life to printed materials.
In his thesis, Tao Zhang explores the integration of dynamic covalent chemistry into photoresins as an alternative to traditional permanent covalent bonds. Conventional 3D printed materials are inherently static, lacking adaptability once fabricated. By leveraging the reversible nature of dynamic covalent bonds, printed polymers gain adaptability and responsiveness even after the printing process. The central aim of this work is to investigate dynamic behaviour in printed polymers, particularly shape memory effects, while advancing green synthesis and sustainable design principles in photoresin development.
Zhang first introduces the principles of dynamic covalent chemistry and its relevance to adaptive, sustainable and recyclable photopolymer systems. He then demonstrates a dynamic photoresin system capable of color change and shape reconfiguration via environmental stimuli. Zhang further extends this adaptive concept by incorporating aroma responsiveness using a renewable essential oil. Finally, he focuses on the green synthesis of photoresins using renewable feedstocks and solvent-free processing and he outlines a scalable, one-step method to prepare biodegradable photoresins suitable for vat photopolymerization.