Reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization is a valuable tool for synthesizing macromolecules with controlled topologies and diverse chemical functionalities. However, the application of RAFT polymerization to additive-manufacturing processes has been hindered due to the slow polymerization rates of typical systems.1 In this talk, we report a rapid visible light mediated RAFT polymerization process and applied it to a 3D printing system.2 The photosensitive resins contained a photocatalyst and a trithiocarbonate RAFT agent to afford polymerization without prior deoxygenation. Following the optimization of the resin formulation by varying the ratio of photocatalyst, a variety of 3D printing conditions were investigated to prepare functional materials.4 The mechanical properties of these 3D printed materials were investigated under different conditions, showing that the addition of RAFT affect the performance of these materials.3 Furthermore, the trithiocarbonate species incorporated in the polymer networks were able to be reactivated after the initial 3D printing process, which allowed the post functionalization of the printed materials via secondary photopolymerization processes.4 Finally, the incorporation of polymers terminated by RAFT agent was employed for the preparation of 3D printed multimaterials with a precise control of their nanostructures.5

Advancing macromolecular synthesis for 3D printing and surface functionalization

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ACS Fall 2022

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