New sustainable 3D printing method uses polymer ink and salt

Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a sustainable 3D printing method using polymer ink and salt water, published in *Nature Communications*. The process utilizes poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and calcium chloride, allowing solid structures to form instantly at room temperature. This method is reversible, enabling the dissolution of printed items in fresh water for reuse, potentially transforming polymer manufacturing.