In a significant stride towards sustainable additive manufacturing, researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a novel, eco-friendly resin for stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. This innovation could revolutionize the energy sector, where complex, durable, and environmentally responsible materials are in high demand.
The team, led by Eduards Krumins from the Centre of Additive Manufacturing at the University of Nottingham, has created a terpene-based monomer called monoperillyl maleate (PeryMal). This bio-derived compound is both degradable and cross-linkable, offering a greener alternative to traditional petroleum-based acrylic resins. “The development of PeryMal is a crucial step towards establishing a sustainable cycle within the additive manufacturing industry,” Krumins explained.
The synthesis of PeryMal was carried out using the bio-derived solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF), further enhancing its sustainability credentials. The researchers blended PeryMal with two different monomers: water-soluble ACMO and bio-based isobornyl methacrylate (iBoMA). Both blends demonstrated excellent printability and promising material properties.
The ACMO-blend 60, with the highest PeryMal content, exhibited a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 25°C–30°C and thermal stability up to 400°C. Remarkably, it also showed full degradation in alkaline conditions (pH 9) within 24 hours and partial degradation at pH 2 over 28 days. “This rapid degradation under specific conditions can be highly beneficial for applications requiring temporary structures or easy disassembly,” Krumins noted.
The iBoMA-blend 60, on the other hand, displayed a higher Tg of 65°C–90°C, indicating its potential for applications requiring greater thermal resistance. Both blends were successfully 3D printed, highlighting the versatility of PeryMal-based systems.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. Sustainable, functional materials like PeryMal could be used to create complex, lightweight structures for wind turbines, solar panels, and other renewable energy technologies. Additionally, the rapid degradation capabilities of these materials could facilitate easier recycling and waste management processes.
This research, published in the journal Macromolecular Materials and Engineering (which translates to Macromolecular Engineering and Materials in English), opens up new avenues for sustainable additive manufacturing. As Krumins concluded, “The potential of PeryMal-based systems for creating sustainable, functional materials for SLA printing is immense, and we are excited to explore further applications and developments in this field.”
The energy sector, along with other industries, stands to benefit greatly from these advancements, paving the way for a more sustainable and innovative future.