A research team from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) has developed new photopolymer resins based on plant-derived raw materials, aiming to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of additive manufacturing. The results have been published in the journal RSC Applied Polymers and included in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s thematic collection on sustainable development.
Developed within the framework of the BASE-3D project, the resins are derived from monomers obtained from natural sources such as succinic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid—organic compounds found in foods like corn, broccoli, or grapes. The resin formulation meets key industrial requirements for use in light-based 3D printing methods such as Digital Light Processing (DLP) and Stereolithography (SLA), including high reactivity, solvent-free composition, and suitable viscosity.
The development process took place in two phases. First, the IMEM-BRT team, led by Professor Elaine Armelin, formulated the plant-based resins. The printability of the material was then evaluated at the ICIQ under the technical supervision of Fernando Bravo. The resin synthesis follows a single-step process, simplifying industrial implementation and reducing energy consumption.
The project is part of the broader BASE-3D initiative, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Catalan Ministry of Business and Knowledge. It aims to advance the technological maturity of additive manufacturing in the region of Catalonia. Current research also focuses on the development of bio-based superabsorbents—such as those based on alginate or chitosan—for environmental applications in soil improvement or water purification.
With these new resins, the researchers contribute to the ecological transformation of the 3D printing sector and highlight the potential of regional R&D efforts to drive sustainable material innovation.
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