Recent Progress on the 3D Printing of Dynamically Cross-Linked Polymers

The utilization of dynamic cross-linking represents a highly promising approach in addressing the escalating issues of plastic pollution and fossil resource consumption. Despite being extensively investigated over the past decade, various dynamically cross-linked polymers (DCPs) predominantly remain confined to the realm of academic research. To serve as a valuable material for practical application, advanced processing is always essential for all kinds of materials. 3D printing (3DP) enables the creation of intricate shapes layer-by-layer without relying on molds, thus the integration of 3DP techniques with DCPs holds significant potential to enhance and expand the practical applicability of DCPs. Here, an overview of the fundamental principles underlying DCPs compatible 3DP techniques are provided, namely photocuring 3DP, extrusion-based 3DP, and laser sintering-based 3DP. Additionally, a comprehensive summary of representative research works that specifically focus on the application of DCPs in each respective 3DP technique is presented. The performance and dynamic mechanism involved in the corresponding printing process are thoroughly discussed and comprehensively reviewed. Finally, the existing challenges and issues pertaining to further enhancing 3D printability, performance, efficiency, etc., are extensively deliberated upon, while proposing potential directions to address these concerns. The 3D printing of dynamically cross-linked polymers offers unprecedented potential to polymer materials. Here, it is comprehensively overviewed the progress in this area. The printing techniques based on photocuring, extrusion, and laser sintering are introduced. According to different techniques, representative works concerning the dynamically cross-linked polymers for 3D printing are summarized. Finally, the challenges and future of this area are discussed.image