3D Printable Filaments Made of Biobased Polyethylene Biocomposites.

Daniel Filgueira,Diego Moldes,Gary Chinga-Carrasco,Solveig Holmen,Andreas Echtermeyer,Johnny Melbø

doi:10.3390/polym10030314

Daniel Filgueira, Diego Moldes + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10030314

Copy DOI

Abstract

Two different series of biobased polyethylene (BioPE) were used for the manufacturing of biocomposites, complemented with thermomechanical pulp (TMP) fibers. The intrinsic hydrophilic character of the TMP fibers was previously modified by grafting hydrophobic compounds (octyl gallate and lauryl gallate) by means of an enzymatic-assisted treatment. BioPE with low melt flow index (MFI) yielded filaments with low void fraction and relatively low thickness variation. The water absorption of the biocomposites was remarkably improved when the enzymatically-hydrophobized TMP fibers were used. Importantly, the 3D printing of BioPE was improved by adding 10% and 20% TMP fibers to the composition. Thus, 3D printable biocomposites with low water uptake can be manufactured by using fully biobased materials and environmentally-friendly processes.

Highlights

Biocomposites are expected to contribute to the production of environmentally sound products [1].Materials are classified as biocomposites if at least one of the constituents is derived from biological material [2]
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a scientific article focuses on the manufacturing of polyethylene-based biocomposite filaments for 3D printing
Two series of biobased polyethylene (BioPE) with with different melt flow index (MFI) were tested for the manufacturing of biocomposite filaments

Summary

Introduction

Biocomposites are expected to contribute to the production of environmentally sound products [1].Materials are classified as biocomposites if at least one of the constituents is derived from biological material [2]. Most biocomposites used today are made of a synthetic polymer reinforced with lignocellulosic fibers. Such fibers are low density biodegradable materials with low cost, high availability worldwide, and acceptable specific strength properties [3,4]. Lignocellulosic fibers need to be processed at low temperatures since their degradation is initiated at about 200 ◦ C [5,6,7]. This characteristic limits the use of several polymers, such as polyethylene teraphtalate (PET), as matrix phase in the manufacturing of biocomposites, since their melting temperature exceeds the fibers degradation temperature. The PE used is an oil-derived polymer with a carbon footprint higher than biopolymers like polylactic acid [9]—not the best choice from an environmental perspective

Methods

Results

Conclusion