Abstract
As direct digital manufacturing, 3D printing (3DP) technology provides new development directions and opportunities for the high-value utilization of a wide range of biological materials. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposite filaments for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3DP were developed in this study. Firstly, CNF was isolated by enzymatic hydrolysis combined with high-pressure homogenization. CNF/PLA filaments were then prepared by melt-extrusion of PLA as the matrix and CNF as the filler. Thermal stability, mechanical performance, and water absorption property of biocomposite filaments and 3D-printed objects were analyzed. Findings showed that CNF increased the thermal stability of the PLA/PEG600/CNF composite. Compared to unfilled PLA FDM filaments, the CNF filled PLA biocomposite filament showed an increase of 33% in tensile strength and 19% in elongation at break, suggesting better compatibility for desktop FDM 3DP. This study provided a new potential for the high-value utilization of CNF in 3DP in consumer product applications.
Highlights
From aerospace engineering to the maker communities, 3D printing (3DP), as a form of direct digital manufacturing and additive manufacturing, has gained exponential growth in a variety of fields during the last few decades [1,2,3,4,5]
Compared to unfilled polylactic acid (PLA) fused deposition modeling (FDM) filaments, the Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) filled PLA biocomposite filament showed an increase of 33% in tensile strength and 19% in elongation at break, suggesting better compatibility for desktop FDM 3DP
This study provided a new potential for the high-value utilization of CNF in 3DP
Summary
From aerospace engineering to the maker communities, 3D printing (3DP), as a form of direct digital manufacturing and additive manufacturing, has gained exponential growth in a variety of fields during the last few decades [1,2,3,4,5]. The apparel and textile fields have already been using 3DP in footwear and accessory products that require less flexibility in the 3DP materials applied [6]. Considering the unique advantages of design efficiency and customization in 3DP, some industry brands and professional designers and engineers have been exploring its integration into more wearable textile and apparel products [7,8]. Few examples are found for the use of a sustainable material base in 3DP-integrated textiles and apparel. The textile and apparel industry has recognized the negative environmental effects of fiber and fabric production processes, all of which can often involve extensive toxic or biologically modifying reagents [6]. It is essential that new fabrication technology, such as 3DP, adopts more environmentally sustainable approaches and materials
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