Direct restoration of photocurable cross-linkers for repeated light-based 3D printing of covalent adaptable networks

Abstract

Light-based processing of thermosets has gained increasing attention because of its broad application field including its use in digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing. This technique offers efficient design and fabrication of complex structures but typically results in non-recyclable thermoset-based products. To address this issue, we describe here a photocurable, dynamic β-amino ester (BAE) based cross-linker that is not only suitable for DLP printing but can also be chemically degraded via transesterification upon the addition of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as a decross-linker. This conceptually new protocol allows for efficient depolymerization with the direct restoration of curable monomers in a single step without the addition of external catalysts or solvents. By implementing this protocol, we have established a chemical recycling loop for multiple cycles of photo-cross-linking and restoration of cross-linkers, facilitating repeatable DLP 3D printing without generating any waste. The recycled materials exhibit full recovery of thermal properties and Young's modulus while maintaining 75% of their tensile strength for at least three cycles. Simultaneously, the presence of BAE moieties enables the (re)processability of these materials through compression molding.