Researchers at the University of Birmingham in the UK have developed a novel photocurable resin that offers two significant advantages over traditional 3D printing resins: firstly, it is made entirely from bio-sourced materials, and secondly, it can be 3D printed, recycled, and used for printing again.
Unlike current 3D printing methods that primarily use epoxies or acrylics derived from petrochemical sources, this new resin is made from lipoic acid, a fully bio-sourced fatty acid commonly used as a dietary supplement.
Traditional resins often face recyclability issues due to the irreversible bonds formed during curing, complicating recycling. In contrast, the Birmingham team’s resin allows for the material to be printed, then deconstructed into its original components, and recycled, after which it is ready for printing again - with just a small amount of photoinitiator added to preserve its curable properties. The development paves the way for an almost entirely closed-loop recycling system for 3D printed products.
The resin is compatible with light-based printing techniques such as DLP, SLA, direct ink write, or InkJet printing, and provides high fidelity, with resolution down to 0.05mm. . The research was led by Professor Andrew Dove from the University’s School of Chemistry. Their findings demonstrate that the resin can undergo at least two recycling cycles, with potential for more. This breakthrough offers possibilities for applications in sustainable packaging, rapid prototyping, optical and electronic devices, construction, architecture, fashion, and jewelry.
The University of Birmingham Enterprise has filed a patent for this resin and its 3D printing uses, seeking licensing or co-development partnerships.