A Photoinduced Dual‐Wavelength Approach for 3D Printing and Self‐Healing of Thermosetting Materials

Abstract

Vat photopolymerization‐based 3D printing techniques have been widely used to produce high‐resolution 3D thermosetting materials. However, the lack of repairability of these thermosets leads to the production of waste. In this study, reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agents are incorporated into resin formulations to allow visible light (405 nm) mediated 3D printing of materials with self‐healing capabilities. The self‐healing process is based on the reactivation of RAFT agent embedded in the thermosets under UV light (365 nm), which enables reformation of the polymeric network. The self‐healing process can be performed at room temperature without prior deoxygenation. The impact of the type and concentration of RAFT agents in the polymer network on the healing efficiency is explored. Resins containing RAFT agents enable 3D printing of thermosets with self‐healing properties, broadening the scope of future applications for polymeric thermosets in various fields.

Degradation Benefits Polymerization: Photo-Generated Self-Degradable Organo-Catalyst for Higher-Efficiency ATRP and Pure Polymers

“…[4][5][6] Therefore, photo-induced polymerization emerges as a particularly promising technique for 3D-printing applications, as it allows for precise control over light exposure, spatial arrangement, and time at room temperature. [7][8] However, the application of the 3D photo printing technique in critical sectors like tissue engineering and electrical components has been hindered. Challenges such as metal contamination, catalyst residue, toxicity, and color retention have been noted in association with many reported photo-initiator systems.…”