Bio-based resin: A breakthrough in rapid prototyping

Date:
September 8, 2020
Source:
Kaunas University of Technology
Summary:
Researchers synthesized and tested a bio-based resin for optical
3D printing (O3DP). The bio-based resin made from renewable raw
materials proved to be universal for both table-top 3D printers
and state-of-the- art ultrafast laser, suitable for O3DP in the
scales from nano- to macro- dimensions. This, according to the
researchers, is a unique property for a single photo-resin.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Lithuanian researchers from Kaunas University of Technology and Vilnius University synthesised and tested a bio-based resin for optical 3D
printing (O3DP). The bio-based resin made from renewable raw materials
proved to be universal for both table-top 3D printers and state-of-the-art ultrafast laser, suitable for O3DP in the scales from nano- to macro- dimensions. This, according to the researchers, is a unique property
for a single photo-resin.


========================================================================== 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, yet currently associated with petroleum-derived
resins. During O3DP, the photo-curable resin is solidified by treating it
with light; such technology makes 3D printing very flexible and precise
-- the elements can reach sub-micrometres, and also can reach macro- dimensions. The main shortcoming of O3DP is connected to the limitations
of the printing materials: their origin, physical and chemical properties, which make the resins not suitable for all setups.

"A universal bio-based resin developed by KTU researchers can be used
for a multi-scale 3D printing. Up to now, no single resin was developed
which would allow manufacturing of ultra-fine nano-/micro-features and macro-objects out of the same composition," says Dr Mangirdas Malinauskas, Laser NanoPhotonics Research Group Leader at Laser Research Centre of
Vilnius University (VU).

During the experiment conducted by VU researchers, a multi-scale (up to
5 orders) optical 3D printing of bio-based compound was performed using
both state-of-the-art laser nanolithography setup and a common table-top
3D printer.

Additionally, chess-like figures were made in an industrial line
commercially delivering small batch production services (3D Creative). The bio-based photo- resin proved suitable for all applications without any
further modifications.

According to Dr Malinauskas, this is a unique property for any single
photo- resin (regardless of its origin).

The novel bio-based photo-resin was developed at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). The research group working at the KTU Department of
Polymer Chemistry and Technology and headed by Dr Jolita Ostrauskaite
designed formulations of photo-curable resins for optical 3D printing,
as well as synthesised, characterised and investigated the rheological, mechanical, thermal properties of polymer materials obtained from
these resins.

"Currently, only thermoplastic bio-based polymers used in thermal 3D
printing technology are commercially available. KTU scientists have
developed a bio- based photo-curable resin which can be used for optical
3D printing. Bio-based photo-curable resins for such technologies are
not currently available on the market," says Dr Ostrauskaite.

According to her, the biggest advantage of the novel bio-based
photo-curable resin is the ability to obtain their components from
renewable raw materials, moreover, these components can be purchased in commercially large quantities.

Although the novel bio-based photo-resin is not commercialised yet,
the researchers claim that it could be used immediately on demand in
industrial lines as it was shown to be compatible with commercially
available setups of JSC 3D Creative. As the developed material is still
very new, further investigation is needed for its safe and economical
use in industry.

This eco-innovation is advanced further within the InterReg project
EcoLabNet, a Baltic region-based network consisting of RDI and SME's.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Kaunas_University_of_Technology. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Edvinas Skliutas, Migle Lebedevaite, Sigita Kasetaite, Sima
Rekstytė, Saulius Lileikis, Jolita Ostrauskaite, Mangirdas
Malinauskas. A Bio-Based Resin for a Multi-Scale Optical 3D
Printing.

Scientific Reports, 2020; 10 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66618-1 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200908113318.htm

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