A group of researchers from the University of Birmingham have invented a new type of recyclable resin made from bio sourced materials, perfectly fit for diverse 3D printing applications. Recently published in Nature, the study shows that high-resolution 3D printed structures can be manufactured from an entirely bio-sourced feedstock and recycled within an almost fully closed-loop system.
Photopolymer resins, which cure when exposed to light, are widely used for customized 3D printed parts. However, traditional resins made from petrochemicals cannot be efficiently recycled. “Our approach is an important step away from relying on 3D-printable resins made from petrochemicals, which cannot be efficiently recycled,” said professor Andrew Dove from the School of Chemistry. “While we still have improvements to make to the properties of the new resin, this research opens up exciting new avenues for development.”
The Birmingham-led team has successfully produced a photopolymer resin that can be printed at high resolution and then broken down into its constituent parts for recycling and reprinting. While doing this, only a small amount of photoinitiator is needed to keep the resin’s curable properties.
The feedstock is derived from lipoic acid, a natural fatty acid commonly sold as a dietary supplement. The researchers managed to complete two recycling cycles and are sure that further cycles are possible. Rapid prototyping in various industries, automotive parts, medical components, and jewelry design are just a few of the potential applications.
Assistant Professor Josh Worch noted, “Enabling recycling within the light-mediated 3D printing industry is essential since it is a rapidly expanding method for materials production.”
The University of Birmingham Enterprise has filed a patent for the invention and its use in 3D printing. A great step toward more eco-friendly 3D printing practices, the resin might as well set new standards for sustainability in 3D tech.
