Exploration of Bio-Based Functionalized Sucrose Ester Resins for Additive Manufacturing via Stereolithography

Abstract

Highly functional bio-based methacrylate and acrylate resins were synthesized from epoxidized sucrose soyate (ESS) and incorporated into formulations for stereolithographic (SLA) printing. These formulations were compared to a commercial SLA resin and with formulations where the bioderived resins were replaced with commercial urethane acrylates. The tensile, flexural, rheological, and thermomechanical performances of the respective formulations and their prints were compared. All of the formulations were able to be printed satisfactorily with a Peopoly Moai SLA 3D printer. The acrylated ESS resin showed the highest viscosity while the methacrylated ESS resins had lower viscosities than the control urethane acrylates. The prints made from the formulations containing the methacrylated ESS resins had similar T g s to that of the urethane acrylate control formulations while the prints from the acrylated ESS resin had a lower T g . The tensile and flexural properties were consistent with the T g values in terms of modulus, but some of the prints showed surface cracking that compromised the strength properties. This study demonstrated the ability of a bio-derived material to be functionally modified and incorporated into an SLA formulation and printed in different orientations.

Sustainable Photopolymers in 3D Printing: A Review on Biobased, Biodegradable, and Recyclable Alternatives

“…The resulting polymers demonstrated competitiveness with their commercial references regarding glass transition ( T g ). [ 28 ] In another study, up to 30% of urethane epoxidized soybean oil was mixed with commercial acrylate compounds and applied as dual‐curing resin in SLA to yield an interpenetrating network. [ 29 ] Other vegetable oils, such as modified linseed oil, [ 20 ] castor oil, [ 22 ] and cardanol oil [ 30 ] could potentially be applied in vat photopolymerization, since these were found to exhibit UV curable properties.…”

Fast Hydrolytically Degradable 3D Printed Object Based on Aliphatic Polycarbonate Thiol‐Yne Photoresins

“…For melting/extrusion based 3D printing processes, the majority of current research involves eco‐friendly materials, such as thermoplastic polylactic acid (PLA), [ 21 ] hemicellulosic biopolymers extracted from lignocellulosic agricultural wastes, [ 22 ] and recycled waste‐derived high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). [ 23 ] Very recently, soybean oil methacrylates [ 24 ] and highly functional bio‐based (meth)acrylate resins synthesized from epoxidized sucrose soyate [ 25 ] have been applied as photopolymer resins for commercial SLA printers.…”

Bio-Based Furanic Di(meth)acrylates as Reactive Diluents for UV Curable Coatings: Synthesis and Coating Evaluation

“…UV curing is of growing interest due to its unique economic and ecological advantages: ultrafast curing at ambient temperatures, 100% solids or low volatile organic compound formulations, low energy usage, and high-performance coatings. , As a result, UV-curable coatings are widely used for printing, furniture, plastic substrates, optical fibers, wood flooring, headlight lenses, and metal substrates. − Generally, a UV-curable system contains three indispensable components: reactive diluents, oligomer resins, and photoinitiators . Photopolymerizable reactive diluents are usually based on acrylate, vinyl, and epoxide groups and facilitate easy processing of the coating by lowering the viscosity of the formulation. , Furthermore, reactive diluents can increase cross-link density, enhance cure speed, and modify the tensile properties of UV-curable coatings .…”

“…Currently, commercial reactive diluents are typically derived from petroleum-based products, which has caused sustainability concerns and stimulates the development of bio-based raw materials . Bio-based materials are often looked upon as inexpensive, nontoxic, abundantly available, and renewable raw materials for UV curing applications. ,,− A number of research studies have been carried out on modification and application of bio-based materials as resins or reactive diluents for UV curing, such as soybean oil-based acrylates, castor oil-based diacrylates or triacrylates, , cardanol-based acrylates, , and tung oil-based methacrylates …”