Jun 17, 2015 | By Simon
Although we’ve been seeing an overall increase in entirely new applications for 3D printing so far this year, a large number of them have been focused on either much larger scale or much smaller scale 3D printing compared to what we’ve typically been used to seeing in the desktop fabrication variety.
While a majority of these developments can be attributed to both an increased focus on bioprinting as well as producing homes via additive manufacturing methods, their contributions as a whole to the entire additive manufacturing industry is nothing short of inspiring.
More recently, a group of researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden were able to successfully print and dry three-dimensional objects that were made from cellulose for the first time with the help of a 3D bioprinter. During the process, the researchers were also able to add carbon nanotubes to create electrically conductive material
Until now, using cellulose in additive manufacturing methods has been extremely difficult due to the inability to melt the material when heated - something required for the majority of all additive manufacturing processes. To bypass this hurdle, the researchers mixed cellulose nanofibrils in a hydrogel that consisted up to 99% water before dispensing the gel using a high resolution 3D bioprinter.
"Combining the use of cellulose with the technological development of 3D printing offers great environmental advantages," says Paul Gatenholm, a professor of biopolymer technology at Chalmers. "Cellulose is an unlimited renewable commodity that is completely biodegradable and a means to bind carbon dioxide that would otherwise end up in the atmosphere."
While extruding the newly-created wet material was a challenge itself, the bigger challenge was ensuring that the objects were capable of retaining their shape after being printed.
To solve this problem, the cellulose gel was also mixed with carbon nanotubes that were capable of creating an electrically conductive ink. When using one conductive gel and one non-conductive gel during the drying process, the researchers were able to produce miniature 3D circuits that were capable of significantly aiding the drying process while also helping support the objects in retaining their intended shape.
"The drying process is critical," added Gatenholm. "We have developed a process in which we freeze the objects and remove the water by different means to control the shape of the dry objects. It is also possible to let the structure collapse in one direction, creating thin films."
According to the Gatenholm, the research conducted by the team - including the decision to use the two separate gels - provides a basis for the possible development of a range of cellulose-based products with integral circuits. "Potential applications range from sensors integrated with packaging, to textiles that convert body heat to electricity and wound dressings that can communicate with healthcare workers," he added.
While it’s still a bit early to see the full potential of these findings, the results of the research are nonetheless a very welcome development as sensors, smart textiles and wearables that could utilize the technology continue to become increasingly common in our everyday lives.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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""We have developed a process in which we freeze the objects and remove the water by different means to control the shape of the dry objects. It is also possible to let the structure collapse in one direction, creating thin films." this is ironic .. it's called freeze drying or directional freezing ----was invented in 1906... how can you hide that and say "we developped a process "
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