3D printing of bio-based photocurable slurries prepared with waste-derived glass

This study investigates waste-derived glass materials in 3D printing slurries through vat polymerization technologies, utilizing biobased photocurable formulations derived from acrylate epoxidized soybean oil (AESO). Waste materials, including mineral wool and glass from municipal waste incinerator bottom ash vitrification, were milled, sieved, and characterized to ensure a particle size distribution under 50 μm. Thermal analyses were conducted to understand the glass-based materials' thermal behavior and the polymeric formulation's decomposition, allowing for the optimization of thermal treatment parameters. These powders were mixed with AESO formulations to create photocurable slurries containing up to 60 wt% ceramic loadings. Rheological and photo-rheological tests demonstrated satisfactory flowability (0.2–10 Pa·s) and high photo reactivity for 3D printing. Subsequently, thermal treatments at 950 °C were applied to consolidate the printed objects, removing the resin component and forming glass-ceramic structures. The results highlight the significant potential of this method for producing porous glass-ceramic materials, offering promising opportunities for sustainable material reuse and advanced manufacturing processes.