Synthesis and application of sustainable vegetable oil-based polymers in 3D printing

Abstract

In the past ten years, there has been significant growth in the global 3D printing market, particularly in the development of natural and bio-based polymers. However, a major challenge is the limited availability of sustainable 3D printable resins capable of matching the performance of synthetic materials. This underscores the urgent need for the development of innovative and environmentally friendly resin materials. Herein, we introduce bio-based polymers, highlighting their recent advancements and offering a comprehensive overview of their diverse applications across various fields, including 3D printing. An area that has received less attention in this domain is polymers derived from vegetable oil (VO) or plant-based oil. Specifically, we thoroughly investigate the acrylation of epoxidized VOs and the subsequent formation of resins from these acrylates, which are essential materials for digital light processing (DLP), stereolithography (SLA), and extrusion-based 3D printing. The chemical modification of VOs, such as epoxidation and acrylation, is extensively explored, together with their respective types and applications. Furthermore, we delve deeply into the suitability of acrylate resins for 3D printing purposes. In conclusion, this review offers insights into the potential applications of 3D printed products utilizing materials derived from VOs.