The three-component photoinitiating systems based on flavonol sulfonate and application in 3D printing

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) printed photocurable shape-shifting polymers based on a three-component photoinitiated system (PIS) (flavonol sulfonate/triethanolamine/iodonium salt) were studied. The flavonol sulfonate (3HF–F) with charge transfer ability and long-wavelength absorption was designed and prepared using the Algar–Flynn–Oyamada method which is an important component of the oxidation–reduction PIS initiating the polymerization of polyethylene glycol (600) diacrylate (PEGDA) under 405 nm LED. For light absorption (active absorber) and electron/proton transfer, the three-component PIS has high-function conversion, and short induction period during the photopolymerization of PEGDA. As the same time, 3HF–F could also undergo passive absorption to obtain high-resolution DLP 3D-printed polymers. The printed polymers could be reversibly modified by means of hydrophilic and thermal responses caused by the stimuli-responsiveness of the polymer chains to activate the shifting of shape.