A Green Leap in 3D Printing Technology

Imagine a world where your next printed object is not only innovative but also environmentally friendly! A groundbreaking team led by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) has unveiled a new type of 3D polymeric resin crafted from entirely natural sources, including food staples like corn and broccoli.

The Innovative Process Behind the Resins

This remarkable advancement unfolded in two key phases. First, the IMEM-BRT group, spearheaded by researcher Elaine Armelin, formulated resins using sustainable plant-based materials. Next, the ICIQ’s Knowledge and Technology Transfer team took charge of the actual 3D printing process, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with additive manufacturing.

Unlocking Sustainable 3D Printing

The new resins are derived from naturally occurring acids like succinic, malic, and tartaric acids. Remarkably, these components can be turned into functional resins in just a single synthesis step, making them perfect for digital light processing (DLP) and stereolithography (SLA) methods. What sets these resins apart? They're liquid, solvent-free, and polymerize rapidly—essential qualities for mass production.

A Part of Something Bigger: The Base-3D Project

This innovation is part of the larger Base-3D project, which aims to elevate additive manufacturing technologies across Catalonia. The initiative, led by CIM UPC and supported by the Light3D cluster from the LEITAT Technological Centre, has successfully produced its second type of polymeric resin—following a biodegradable polymer that excelled in DLP printing.

The Future of Sustainable Materials

As if that’s not enough, the IMEM-BRT group is also diving into the realm of soft biopolymers like alginate, chitosan, and gelatin. These materials show promise as superabsorbents for diverse applications ranging from enriching soils to powering batteries and desalination cells.

Join us as we watch this exciting journey unfold, paving the way for a future where 3D printing not only creates but also sustains the planet!