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Title
Living Polymer Networks Based on a RAFT Cross-Linker: Toward 3D and 4D Printing Applications
Author(s)
Publication Date
2021-07-11
Early Online Version
Open Access
Yes
Abstract
<p>Controlled modification in the structure and properties of three-dimensional (3D) printed polymers, as in the broader context of cross-linked polymer networks, in response to an external stimulus has been of great importance to meet the demands of advanced applications and environmental sustainability concerns. In this study, a dynamic covalent di(meth)acrylate cross-linker containing a reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) trithiocarbonate (TTC) functionality was synthesized and used for the formation of living photoexpandable/transformable polymer networks (PET-PNs). The network-bound TTC functionalities were activated in a postsynthesis stage via a visible light-controlled photoredox-catalyzed RAFT polymerization, enabling monomer addition into the existing scaffolds. This approach allowed controllable and successive postsynthesis photogrowth, photofunctionalization, and/or photowelding reactions. The expandable RAFT-capable TTC cross-linker (TTC-XL) was also exploited to manufacture living 3D materials via a layer-by-layer photopolymerization process facilitated by a modified digital light processing (DLP) 3D printer. The 3D printed materials were also capable of undergoing successive postprinting reactions (e.g. functionalization) via a photoredox-catalyzed RAFT process under a red light-emitting diode (LED) light irradiation. From the viewpoint of material sustainability and recyclability, this study is a great step forward and it will open up additional possibilities in the field of 3D printing for the fabrication of advanced functional materials.</p>
Publication Type
Journal Article
Source of Publication
ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 3(6), p. 2921-2930
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020
2021-05-19
Place of Publication
United States of America
ISSN
2637-6105
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020
Peer Reviewed
Yes
HERDC Category Description
Peer Reviewed
Yes
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