3D printable elastomers with exceptional strength and toughness

Zizheng Fang, Hongfeng Mu, Zhuo Sun, Kaihang Zhang, Anyang Zhang, Jiada Chen, Ning Zheng, Qian Zhao, Xuxu Yang, Feng Liu, Jingjun Wu () and Tao Xie ()
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Zizheng Fang: Zhejiang University
Hongfeng Mu: Zhejiang University
Zhuo Sun: Zhejiang University
Kaihang Zhang: Zhejiang University
Anyang Zhang: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Jiada Chen: Zhejiang University
Ning Zheng: Zhejiang University
Qian Zhao: Zhejiang University
Xuxu Yang: Zhejiang University
Feng Liu: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Jingjun Wu: Zhejiang University
Tao Xie: Zhejiang University

Nature, 2024, vol. 631, issue 8022, 783-788

Abstract: Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as an attractive manufacturing technique because of its exceptional freedom in accessing geometrically complex customizable products. Its potential for mass manufacturing, however, is hampered by its low manufacturing efficiency (print speed) and insufficient product quality (mechanical properties). Recent progresses in ultra-fast 3D printing of photo-polymers1–5 have alleviated the issue of manufacturing efficiency, but the mechanical performance of typical printed polymers still falls far behind what is achievable with conventional processing techniques. This is because of the printing requirements that restrict the molecular design towards achieving high mechanical performance. Here we report a 3D photo-printable resin chemistry that yields an elastomer with tensile strength of 94.6 MPa and toughness of 310.4 MJ m−3, both of which far exceed that of any 3D printed elastomer6–10. Mechanistically, this is achieved by the dynamic covalent bonds in the printed polymer that allow network topological reconfiguration. This facilitates the formation of hierarchical hydrogen bonds (in particular, amide hydrogen bonds), micro-phase separation and interpenetration architecture, which contribute synergistically to superior mechanical performance. Our work suggests a brighter future for mass manufacturing using 3D printing.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07588-6

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