Crosslinking, characterization, surface functionalization and 3D-printing of AESO-based biopolymers

This work aims to investigate the viability of acrylated epoxidized soybean oil-based crosslinked biopolymers, with the use different concentrations of glycidyl methacrylate as a co-monomer. Characterization of the liquid resin mixture and of the final polymer matrices were conducted to ascertain the physical properties of the material, resulting in a reliably crosslinked solid final product, with fast crosslinking and close to total conversion, and thermal-mechanical properties ranging between those of the two components. The prospective surface functionalization trials, aimed at the creation of a pH-sensitive fluorescent probe, revealed the intrinsic fluorescence of the material, which was determined to be diminished by exposure to both solvents and acids, implying that swelling and protonation of the matrix reduce the intensity of the fluorescence. Initial rheological analysis of the resin indicated that higher concentrations of GMA would be necessary for 3D printing, but attempts at producing artifacts with MSLA printing resulted in success even with resins containing low or absent concentrations of the co-mononer, as well as the capacity to produce complex features.