In the recently published ‘ Lignin: A Biopolymer from Forestry Biomass for Biocomposites and 3D Printing ,’ international researchers Mihaela Tanase-Opedal, Eduardo Espinosa, Alejandro Rodríguez, and Gary Chinga-Carrasco explore a very specific area of materials related to biopolymers.

 .

As composites are used more often these days to improve existing materials—especially in 3D printing—alternative materials like wood are being experimenting with also. Fiber-based biocomposites and lignin can be better options than petrochemical-based products.

 .

For this study, the authors gleaned lignin from spruce trees being reduced to pulp. They used the material to create composite filaments, printing sample dogbones to test mechanical properties.

 .

Natural-fiber biocomposites offer the following:

•  .Affordability
• Good mechanical properties
• No emission of toxins
• Light weight

PLA is a popular polymer used in 3D printing, and as the authors remind us, it is actually a biopolymer—featuring good mechanical properties, biodegradability, easy melt-processability, and much more; however, it is also […]

Click here to view original web page at 3dprint.com