A Bio-Based Resin for a Multi-Scale Optical 3D Printing

Sci Rep. 2020 Jun 16;10(1):9758. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-66618-1.

Abstract

Materials obtained from renewable sources are emerging to replace the starting materials of petroleum-derived plastics. They offer easy processing, fulfill technological, functional and durability requirements at the same time ensuring increased bio-compatibility, recycling, and eventually lower cost. On the other hand, optical 3D printing (O3DP) is a rapid prototyping tool (and an additive manufacturing technique) being developed as a choice for efficient and low waste production method, yet currently associated with mainly petroleum-derived resins. Here we employ a single bio-based resin derived from soy beans, suitable for O3DP in the scales from nano- to macro-dimensions, which can be processed even without the addition of photoinitiator. The approach is validated using both state-of-the art laser nanolithography setup as well as a widespread table-top 3D printer - sub-micrometer accuracy 3D objects are fabricated reproducibly. Additionally, chess-like figures are made in an industrial line commercially delivering small batch production services. Such concept is believed to make a breakthrough in rapid prototyping by switching the focus of O3DP to bio-based resins instead of being restricted to conventional petroleum-derived photopolymers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biopolymers / chemistry*
  • Chemical Engineering / methods*
  • Glycine max
  • Plastics / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional / instrumentation
  • Resins, Plant / chemistry*

Substances

  • Biopolymers
  • Plastics
  • Polymers
  • Resins, Plant