In this study, we report the utilization of lignin as a feedstock for preparation of new bio-based 3D-printing materials. 3D-printing technology using fused deposition modeling has been developing rapidly. A 3-dimensional object can be made by depositing layer-by-layer of the molten material through a printer nozzle. The melting characteristics including rheological and thermal properties of materials are critical aspects to improve the material throughput and printability. The hurdle of lignin melt-processing has limited its uses. We discovered the chemistry of selected lignins and their molecular rigidity to prepare highly loaded lignin (50 wt%) composites with tunable flow characteristics. Time-temperature-superposition was applied to investigate the materials’ rheological properties within a wide range of temperature and angular frequency. A window of viscosity and shear rate was determined for a good printability. The incorporation of thermally conducting fillers in our new lignin based 3D-printing materials contributes to the improvement of the heat transfer from the wall of the heating chamber to the filament during printing process. The filament phase transition speed from solid to molten state can be enhanced significantly. The mechanical testing indicated high performance of the printed objects with the presence of the fillers. Flow induced alignment of high aspect ratio fillers and polymer chains were determined. The details will be discussed in the talk.

Lignin based 3D-printing materials: Printability and performance

255th National Meeting (2018)

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