Biobased composite powders from PHA, waxes and lignocellulosic biomasses for powder-based additive manufacturing processes

Abstract

Reducing our impact on the environment requires the use of biobased materials and their composites, which can be sourced from biomass feedstocks. However, due to technological limitations, these materials are not easily integrated into current Additive Manufacturing technologies like Selective Laser Sintering.The focus of the present study is to develop a new, environmentally friendly process that can prepare composite biobased powders for SLS. These powders are made from polyhydroxyalkanoate, waxes, and lignocellulosic fillers. The process is based on emulsification and dissolution/precipitation in eutectic solvents and has the potential to be utilized with a wide range of biobased materials.