Researchers at Rice University have harnessed the power of 3D printing to create sustainable wood structures, presenting a greener alternative to conventional manufacturing methods.
By developing an additive-free, water-based ink composed of lignin and cellulose – two primary components of wood – the researchers have unlocked the potential to craft intricately detailed wood structures using a 3D printing technique known as direct ink writing.
Muhammad Rahman, assistant research professor of Materials Science and Nanoengineering at Rice, emphasised the significance of this breakthrough.
“The ability to create a wood structure directly from its own natural components sets the stage for a more eco-friendly and innovative future. It heralds a new era of sustainable 3D-printed wood construction,” he noted.
Researchers said the implications of this advancement extend across various industries, particularly in furniture and construction.
Pulickel Ajayan, professor and chair of Materials Science and Nanoengineering at Rice, highlighted the novelty of the method, which utilises nanoscale wood components for 3D printing, representing a significant leap forward in the field.
“Unlike previous attempts, this method exclusively uses nanoscale wood components for 3D printing, marking a significant advancement in the field,” Ajayan stated.
Lead co-authors M.S.H Thakur and Chen Shi detailed the research’s focus on optimising the ink’s composition, achieving a delicate balance between lignin and cellulose nanofibers and nanocrystals.
Amit Naskar, a project collaborator and senior research and development staff at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, underscored the abundance of lignin as a biopolymer on Earth, despite its underutilization in industries.
Post-printing, rigorous analyses were conducted to evaluate the surface and internal structures of the 3D-printed wood, revealing striking similarities to natural wood in texture, scent, and strength.
Mechanical tests further confirmed the performance of the printed wood, surpassing even the strength of natural balsa wood, researchers noted.
Supported by Rice University, the research, published in the journal Science Advances, underscores a collaborative effort with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and received backing from the US Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
