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

More information

Latest update

8/8/2023 6