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Material research for 3D printing

Within the industry, new materials are being developed for 3D printing that will replace the currently widely used petrochemical materials in order to reduce the carbon footprint, such as biobased fiber-reinforced thermoplastics and thermoplastics made from recycled plastics. (A thermoplastic is a plastic material that softens when heated.)

The aim of this research project is to demonstrate by means of executive research the added value of the use of biobased fiber-reinforced thermoplastics and thermoplastics made from recycled plastics in combination with FDM 3D printing for the production of (construction) products.

The project is investigated in phases:

1) The feasibility for application in FDM 3D printing of a new biobased fiber-reinforced thermoplastic made from fibers from residual flows from the agricultural industry (sugar beet cellulose microfibres) and an innovative biodegradable compound (PHBV).

2) Material comparisons made between virgin, recycled and the innovative biobased fiber-reinforced thermoplastic through application in FDM 3D-printed (construction) products. Product requirements are converted into material requirements and by means of tests the processability, mechanical, thermal and chemical properties are compared with each other, as well as a carbon footprint is made.

This project is supported by TKI BBE

Research theme
Date

April 2019 until May 2020

SDGs
Projectleider

Werner Muller

Project leader Biopolymer Application Centerr T: +0683624220

Partners involved