Three-dimensional (3D) printing through fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a promising and material-efficient technology. Waste fines (WF), the rejected fibers from paper recycling process, are a great potential resource for economic importance and are considered as a new additive for making 3D printing products because of their high cellulose content. However, the high ash content (10 ~ 20%, mainly calcium carbonate) of waste fines can cause insufficient mechanical strength and other technical challenges.<br/>In this study, waste fines were treated by two different deashing methods (hydrochloric acid, trisodium citrate) and applied as a filler in polylactic acid (PLA) for making 3D printing products. This project aims to study the feasibility of fabricating waste fines/PLA composites and also investigate the effect of ash on the mechanical properties of the biocomposites. The results indicated that by removing the ash, the compatibility of waste fines with plastics will be improved, thus enhancing the interactions between waste fines and polymer matrix, ultimately improving the properties of 3D printing composites.

Enhancement of waste fines/PLA composites by deashing modification

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.