3D printing of polymeric materials based on photo-RAFT polymerization

Here, for the first time, we report the 3D printing of polymeric materials via a photo-controlled reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (photo-RAFT) polymerization process. Our 3D printing resin formulation is based on the use of trithiocarbonate (TTC) RAFT agent, which can mediate radical polymerization via direct photolysis under visible light irradiation ( λ = 405 nm). Re-activation of the TTC units within the 3D printed materials enables post-printing transformation. For the first time, we report 3D printing of RAFT-based formulations to fabricate functional objects in a layer-by-layer fashion.