3D printing technology is moving towards greater sustainability through the use of recyclable resin based on lipoic acid, a common component in dietary supplements. Researchers at the University of Birmingham have achieved a breakthrough by developing a photopolymer resin that, in addition to enabling high-resolution prints, can also be almost completely recycled.
Greener 3D printing
Products made with this new resin can be efficiently recycled at the end of their useful life, creating a quasi-closed loop system. Photopolymer resins, which harden when exposed to light, are widely used to manufacture customized parts by means of 3D printing . However, despite advances in printing technology in terms of resolution and speed, resin base materials have remained virtually unchanged since the 1980s.
[post_relacionado]Traditionally, these resins are derived from petrochemical raw materials, such as epoxy or acrylic resins. Although more sustainable resins have been developed from biomass, their recyclability is limited due to the formation of irreversible bonds during the curing process.
Second, the Birmingham team has succeeded in producing for the first time a recyclable photopolymer resin that can be broken down into its basic elements. This achievement allows printed parts to be recycled and reprinted by simply adding a small amount of photoinitiator, which helps to maintain the properties of the material.
Lipoic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid found in dietary supplements, is the key raw material used in this innovative resin. Researchers at the University of Birmingham created a combination of two lipoic acid monomers to make this recyclable resin, successfully completing two recycling cycles and suggesting that the material could withstand further cycles.
New industrial opportunities
The potential applications for this recyclable resin are vast, including rapid prototyping in industries such as automotive, medical and dental component manufacturing, and jewelry design. This breakthrough not only promises to reduce the environmental impact of 3D printing, but also to offer new opportunities in various industrial sectors.
New recyclable resins could revolutionize the prototyping industry, facilitating the creation of more sustainable and cost-effective models. In addition, this technology could foster a circular economy in additive manufacturing, reducing dependence on petrochemical feedstocks and minimizing industrial waste.
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Source: sustainabilityenvironment
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