J. Hobich, E. Blasco, M. Wegener, H. Mutlu, and C. Barner-Kowollik

Macromol. Chem. Phys. (2022); doi:10.1002/macp.202200318

Abstract:

3D printing techniques are often based on light-induced chemical reactions, driven by the fascinating and powerful possibilities to control light in space and time. To date, these approaches are usually restricted to a single color of light, which does not do justice to light as an entire spectrum of distinct wavelengths. It is possible to further tap into the vast potential of light-induced 3D printing by introducing a second color of light. While the complexity of photochemical interactions in two-color systems is greatly increased, it concomitantly allows for enhanced control over manufacturing speed and resolution. In general, three types of two-color interactions can be distinguished, i.e., synergistic, orthogonal, and antagonistic. In recent years, intriguing printing techniques with superior potential for the fabrication of 3D structures are emerging that require two colors of light. Their future development potential is vast yet needs to be critically underpinned by an advance in complex tunable photochemical reaction systems. The current perspective will thus explore the potential for using synergistic, orthogonal, and antagonistic photochemistries in 3D printing.