Solidification of 3D printed nanofibril hydrogels into functional 3D cellulose structures
Journal article, 2016
Cellulose nanofibrils isolated from trees have the potential to be used as raw material for future sustainable products within the areas of packaging, textiles, biomedical devices, and furniture. However, one unsolved problem has been to convert the nanofibril-hydrogel into a dry 3D structure. In this study, 3D printing is used to convert a cellulose nanofibril hydrogel into 3D structures with controlled architectures. Such structures collapse upon drying, but by using different drying processes the collapse can be controlled and the 3D structure can be preserved upon solidification. In addition, a conductive cellulose nanofibril ink is fabricated by adding carbon nanotubes. These findings enable the use of wood derived materials in 3D printing for fabrication of sustainable commodities such as packaging, textiles, biomedical devices, and furniture with conductive parts. Furthermore, with the introduction of biopolymers into 3D printing, the 3D printing technology itself can finally be regarded as sustainable.
Author
Karl Håkansson
Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry
Ida Henriksson
Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Cristina de la Peña Vázquez
Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Volodymyr Kuzmenko
Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Electronics Material and Systems
Kajsa Markstedt
Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry
Peter Enoksson
Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC)
Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Electronics Material and Systems
Paul Gatenholm
Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC)
Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry
Advanced Materials Technologies
2365709X (eISSN)
Vol. 1 7 1600096-Subject Categories
Polymer Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Paper, Pulp and Fiber Technology
Chemical Engineering
Materials Chemistry
Nano Technology
Driving Forces
Sustainable development
Areas of Advance
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Production
Materials Science
DOI
10.1002/admt.201600096