Additive Manufacturing of Degradable Materials via Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)

Thermoset materials comprise a significant proportion of high -performance plastics due to their shape permanence and excellent thermal and mechanical properties. However, these properties come at the expense of degradability. Here, we show for the first time that the industrial thermoset polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) can be additively manufactured (AM) with degradable 2,3-dihydrofuran (DHF) linkages using a photochemical approach. Treatment of the manufactured objects with acid results in rapid degradation to soluble byproducts. This work highlights the potential of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) chemistry to create degradable materials amenable to advanced manufacturing processes.

Automated summary

Thermoset materials, which have excellent thermal and mechanical properties, are widely used in high-performance plastics. However, their lack of degradability has been a problem. This study demonstrates for the first time that an industrial thermoset material, polydicyclopentadiene, can be additively manufactured with degradable linkages using a photochemical approach. The resulting objects can be rapidly degraded to soluble byproducts through acid treatment. This work highlights the potential of ring-opening metathesis polymerization chemistry for creating degradable materials suitable for advanced manufacturing processes.