A General Strategy for Sustainable 3D Printing Based on A Multifunctional Photoinitiator

Abstract

A multifunctional photoinitiator is presented, offering precise control over light-induced polymerization initiation at 450 nm and material degradation at 365 nm. This is accomplished by covalently linking photoactive bis(acyl)phosphane oxide and photocleavable o-nitrobenzyl ether moieties onto the surface of γ-cyclodextrin. Upon degradation, the resulting linear polymers can be easily re-dissolved in their corresponding monomer and re-cured, exhibiting superior mechanical properties compared to the pristine material. Moreover, this photoinitiator enables the successful 3D printing of intricate and precise structures, representing a promising general strategy for developing recyclable photoresins for 3D printing applications.