Cellulose is the most abundant polymer available on earth. These are carbohydrates which can be extracted from any plant source. Cellulose can be used as a renewable source to make 3D objects. This could be an alternative to plastics.

Studies are being conducted on the use of cellulose and other biopolymers in 3D printing. Chitosan is the second most abundant polymer on Earth. Mixing Chitosan and cellulose provides a durable composite. Making 3D products using cellulose is advantageous over plastic.

Scientists from the Singapore University of Technology and Design have used cellulose, chitosan, and fungi to 3D print a wind turbine blade. The fungi act as an adhesive material that binds the cellulose fibers and chitosan together. The composite is lightweight, strong and economical. The composite material can be molded or processed like wood.
Using the composite the researchers built a 1.5m long lightweight wind turbine blade. The blade was printed using a specially designed Direct Ink Writing 3D printer. The material used in blade has gone through mechanical test and water absorption test before printing.

This bio-based composite is completely renewable and biodegradable. This material can be used for sustainable manufacturing of large materials and replace plastics. The composite’s cost is lesser than the commercially available 3D printing materials. It is expected that the bio-composite can delocalize general manufacture and meet the emerging needs of sustainable manufacture, large-scale fabrication, and circular economy. This composite material is one of the best bio-inspired materials. The researchers have invested a lot of time in technology development and testing. Currently, they are trying to collaborate with industries to scale-up the technology.

This technology can definitely meet the needs of a sustainable manufacturing process. Use of compostable polymers will reduce the dependency of plastic manufacturers. 3D printing is one technology used to manufacture a variety of products. The resin used in printing is usually plastic based. Using an economical bio-composite would make the manufacturing process greener.

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