Exploration of Bio-Based Functionalized Sucrose Ester Resins for Additive Manufacturing via Stereolithography

Highly functional bio-based methacrylate and acrylate resins were synthesized from epoxidized sucrose soyate (ESS) and incorporated into formulations for stereolithographic (SLA) printing. These formulations were compared to a commercial SLA resin and with formulations where the bio-derived resins were replaced with commercial urethane acrylates. The tensile, flexural, rheological, and thermomechanical performances of the respective formulations and their prints were compared. All of the formulations were able to be printed satisfactorily with a Peopoly Moai SLA 3D printer. The acrylated ESS resin showed the highest viscosity while the methacrylated ESS resins had lower viscosities than the control urethane acrylates. The prints made from the formulations containing the methacrylated ESS resins had similar T_gs to that of the urethane acrylate control formulations while the prints from the acrylated ESS resin had a lower T_g. The tensile and flexural properties were consistent with the T_g values in terms of modulus, but some of the prints showed surface cracking that compromised the strength properties. This study demonstrated the ability of a bio-derived material to be functionally modified and incorporated into an SLA formulation and printed in different orientations.