Researchers at the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have successfully performed 3D printing with wood-based inks, mimicking the unique “ultrastructure†of wood. This research can revolutionize the manufacture of green products by emulating the natural honeycomb structure of wood to create green products derived from the unique properties of trees.
The way wood is grown is controlled by its genetic code, which gives it unique properties in terms of porosity, toughness and torsional strength. However, wood has limitations in processing. Wood, unlike many other materials, often has no option to melt or reshape wood, but must be sawed, planed or bent.
Thinking outside the normal traditional process, the team at Chalmers University of Technology is able to propose new technologies that allow wood to actually grow into the desired shape of the final product through 3D printing media. In addition, they also added hemicellulose, a natural ingredient from plants that acts like a glue.
(Microscopic images of solid wood and 3D printed versions show how researchers mimic the cellular structure of real wood. Print plates are larger in size and easier to process and display, but researchers can print on any scale)
A recent press release on the Chalmers study mentions that "the process of converting wood into products such as paper, cards and textiles can destroy the basic ultrastructure or structure of wood cells. But the new technology is now being developed through 3D printing technology . It actually makes the wood grow into the shape that the final product needs."
(Prof. Paul Gatenholm)
The wood pulp was previously converted to a nanocellulose gel to successfully interpret and digitize the genetic code of the wood. This means that the alignment of cellulose nanofibrils can now be precisely controlled during the printing process to actually replicate the ideal ultrastructure of the wood. Being able to manage direction and shape means they can capture the useful properties of natural wood.
With the development of 3D printing technology, researchers, developers and manufacturers around the world are constantly researching various materials. Surprisingly, how many different types of plastics, metals, fibers, inks, etc. can be used to create Complex geometry. Even materials that are as unique as wood have been used for digital wood and complex textures, tire technology and the innovation of wood as a better alternative to plastics.
Through this new ultrastructure, researchers have discovered the potential to use wood composite inks to make a variety of items, including:
â— Packing
â— Clothes
â— Furniture
â— Healthcare and personal care products
Once the Chalmers researchers got the materials, they were ready to take the project to the next level as they began using ink to "guide the 3D printer" and create a structure that showed the advantages of lignocellulose.
“This is a breakthrough in manufacturing technology. It allows us to transcend the natural boundaries and create new sustainable green products. This means that those products that are now based on forests can now be 3D printed in less time. Currently in 3D Metals and plastics used in printing can be replaced with renewable, sustainable alternatives," said Professor Paul Gatenholm, who led the research at the Wallenberger Wood Science Center at Chalmers University of Technology.
New technologies have opened up a whole new range of possibilities. Compared to natural wood, wood products can now be designed and “planted†according to the order – greatly reducing the time scale.
Paul Gatenholm's team has developed a prototype of an innovative packaging concept. They print out a honeycomb structure with a chamber between the printing walls and then try to encapsulate the solid particles in these chambers. Cellulose has excellent oxygen barrier properties, which means it may be a promising method for creating airtight packaging for foods or pharmaceuticals.
(Honeycomb structure in which solid particles are encapsulated in an air gap between printing walls. Cellulose has excellent oxygen barrier properties, which means that this may be a promising method for making hermetic packaging, for example for Food or medicine)
“Manufacture of products in this way can save a lot of money on resources and harmful emissions,†says Gatenholm. “Imagine, for example, if we can start printing packaging locally, it would mean replacing today's industry, relying heavily on plastics and carbon dioxide-based transportation. Packaging can be designed and manufactured to order without any waste.â€
“The raw materials of plants are extremely renewable, so raw materials can be produced during longer space travel, or on the moon or on Mars. If you are growing food, you may get cellulose and hemicellulose,†says Paul Gatenholm. .
(Microscopic images show how researchers can precisely control the orientation of cellulose nanofibers to print in different directions in the same way as natural wood growth)
Gatenholm also envisions the potential to use its materials and products in space, and researchers have successfully demonstrated at a seminar at the European Space Agency (ESA).
Kitchen Cart,Kitchen Cart On Wheels,Kitchen Utility Cart,Trolley Kitchen
Jiangmen Sunbond Houseware Manufacturing CO.,LTD , https://www.jmsunbondhw.com