| Category | Chemistry & Nanotechnology |
| Keywords | 3D printing, polymers, sustainability |
| Current development stage | General list: TRL3 Experimental proof of concept |
Application
- Traditional printing materials, such as plastics and paper, are often difficult to recycle and end up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation.
- Polymers are a more sustainable solution for 3D-printing, since they are more versatile, allow a greater design freedom and complexity than traditional manufacturing methods, require a reduced energy consumption and can be recyclable.
- Overall, recycling of polymers is still a major current challenge in many fields and new approaches are needed.
Our Innovation
We present a new approach for 3D-printing polymers, by light irradiation, which can be truly recycled and re-printed (the polymer ink could be used several times).
Our main advantages are:
- Innovative and revolutionary approach of 3-D printing based on polymers that can be printed, recycled, and reprinted using radiation and thus preserving the quality of the environment by reducing plastic waste.
- Use of bio-based materials.
- Printing materials are based on a new and unique family of polymers known as “Reversible Covalent Bonds Containing Polymers” with new catalysts.
Opportunity
We aim to develop systems for 3D printing based on UV radiation with the ability to recycle and reprint with radiation. Materials of this type have high commercial and economic potential. For example, they can be used for the fabrication of polymeric objects in dental applications.
The group seeks for industrial partnerships to advance the technology towards commercial applications.
