Stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) are rapidly expanding UV-curing additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, recognized for their high resolution and processing speed. In parallel, itaconic acid–based resins have emerged as promising UV-curable formulations, offering high renewable content, compatibility with established diluents, and structural versatility through facile molecular modification. Despite these advantages, the end-of-life strategies remain insufficiently investigated, hindering integration into sustainable manufacturing frameworks. Here, we present 3D-printable disulfide-based covalent adaptable networks (CANs) derived from itaconic acid. The synthesized unsaturated polyester resins were readily formulated with multiple commercial diluents. The resulting systems were evaluated with respect to printability and thermomechanical performance, resulting in 3D printed materials with a glass transition temperature range between 53 and 76 °C and elongation at break between 93 and 142%. The recyclability of the manufactured parts was evaluated through three consecutive cycles of thermal reprocessing or grinding to be utilized as component in new resin formulations. Our findings highlight the potential of disulfide-containing itaconate networks as a versatile platform for next-generation light processable AM resins. This publication is licensed under You are free to share (copy and redistribute) this article in any medium or format and to adapt (remix, transform, and build upon) the material for any purpose, even commercially within the parameters below: Creative Commons (CC): This is a Creative Commons license. Attribution (BY): Credit must be given to the creator. *Disclaimer This summary highlights only some of the key features and terms of the actual license. It is not a license and has no legal value. Carefully review the actual license before using these materials. You are free to share (copy and redistribute) this article in any medium or format and to adapt (remix, transform, and build upon) the material for any purpose, even commercially within the parameters below: Creative Commons (CC): This is a Creative Commons license. Attribution (BY): Credit must be given to the creator. *Disclaimer This summary highlights only some of the key features and terms of the actual license. It is not a license and has no legal value. Carefully review the actual license before using these materials. You are free to share (copy and redistribute) this article in any medium or format and to adapt (remix, transform, and build upon) the material for any purpose, even commercially within the parameters below: Creative Commons (CC): This is a Creative Commons license. Attribution (BY): Credit must be given to the creator. *Disclaimer This summary highlights only some of the key features and terms of the actual license. It is not a license and has no legal value. Carefully review the actual license before using these materials.
Papadopoulos et al. (2026) studied this question.