Realization of Circular Economy of 3D Printed Plastics: A Review

• Published in: Polymers Vol. 13; no. 5; p. 744
• Main Authors: Zhu, Caihan, Li, Tianya, Mohideen, Mohamedazeem M, Hu, Ping, Gupta, Ramesh, Ramakrishna, Seeram, Liu, Yong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 27.02.2021; MDPI
• Subjects: 3-D printers; 3D printing; Aviation; biodegradation; CAD; catalytic degradation; Circular economy; Climate change; Computer aided design; Consumption; COVID-19; Degradation; Esters; Growth models; Impact analysis; Ionic liquids; Manufacturing; Pandemics; Plastics; Polymers; Porous materials; Printing industry; Recycling; Reprocessing; Review; Sustainable development; Technological change; Three dimensional printing; Toys; United Kingdom > UK; China; biodegradation; catalytic degradation; 3D printing; circular economy
• ISSN: 2073-4360; 2073-4360
• DOI: 10.3390/polym13050744

3D printing technology is a versatile technology. The waste of 3D printed plastic products is a matter of concern because of its impact on the circular economy. In this paper, we discuss the current status and problems of 3D printing, different methods of 3D printing, and applications of 3D printing. This paper focuses on the recycling and degradation of different 3D printing materials. The degradation, although it can be done without pollution, has restrictions on the type of material and time. Degradation using ionic liquids can yield pure monomers but is only applicable to esters. The reprocessing recycling methods can re-utilize the excellent properties of 3D printed materials many times but are limited by the number of repetitions of 3D printed materials. Although each has its drawbacks, the great potential of the recycling of 3D printed waste plastics is successfully demonstrated with examples. Various recycling approaches provide the additional possibility of utilizing 3D printing waste to achieve more efficient circular application.