On May 6, 2025, according to the Library of Resources, the Polytechnic Institute of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Barcelona (UPC) and the Institute of Chemistry (ICIQ) recently published a new research result: a source of the source ofPlant -based materialsThe new polymer resin aims to reduce dependence on traditional resins based on fossil fuels. The study was published in the Revue RSC Applied Polymers.
Currently, the 3D printing field needs more durable raw materials urgently, especially in the photocuction of 3D printing (such as DLP and SLA), where there are strict requirements for liquid polymerization resins, without solvent and rapid. To this end, the UPC and ICIQ scientific research team has successfully synthesized a functional polymer resin based on natural monomers such as succinic acid, malic acid and tartaric acid. These monomers are largely found in corn, broccoli, apple and other plants. They are not only respectful of the environment and renewable, but also have good treatment performance.
The research was carried out in two steps. The first phase was directed by the biomaterials UPC Materials and Molecular Engineering Innovation – Regerative Therapy Biomaterials (IMEM -BRT), and the team leader is Elaine Armelin, professor at the Eastern Institute Institute of Engineering (EEBE) in Barcelona. She led the team to complete the design of the synthetic formula of the resin based on plant -based raw materials. The second phase was directed by the technology and industrial project transfer service from ICIQ. Researcher Fernando Bravo led the team to carry out 3D printing tests, checking the feasibility of the application of materials in real printing conditions.
This time, the second innovative resin developed in the project is published. Earlier, ICIQ and UPC collaborated to launch a biodegradable polymer resin which worked well in the DLP printing, which attracted the attention of the industry. In addition to the development of the polymer for the end of the printing, the IMEM-BRT team also actively widens the range of green materials applications. Currently, they are studying “soft biopolymers” based on natural polymers such as alginate, chitosan and gelatin, in the hope of using them to develop new superabsorbent materials which can be widely used in the improvement of agricultural soils, durable batteries and the cartoon of sea water.
This study not only demonstrates the great potential of plant resins in 3D printing, but also provides an important direction to build a greener and more efficient manufacturing system. In the future, with the continuous improvement of material performance and the gradual improvement of the industrial chain, vegetable resins should become an important basic material for the manufacture of sustainable additives.
