Designing adaptive materials for 3D-printing via dynamic covalent imine bonds

Abstract

A powerful platform for smart materials with adaptive surfaces enabling the post-processing tuning of the physical and mechanical properties is reported. More specifically, 3D-printed materials featuring dynamic covalent bonds at their surfaces are developed and tested with respect to their potential for dynamic property tuning. The integration of acrylates bearing amine groups into tailor-made resins enables post-printing modification of the surface by employing imine condensation or imine exchange reactions. This approach allowed the dynamic tuning of the surface polarity and fluorescence behavior of the 3D-printed objects. Furthermore, the application potential of this concept with respect to self-healable materials was demonstrated by employing the imine condensation reaction for dynamic-covalent welding.