| dc.description.abstract | Currently, there is a shift toward using more biobased materials in 3D printing, which presents an
eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics due to their potential for benefits such as waste
reduction, biodegradability, and reduced toxicity. However, challenges such as mechanical
strength, structural integrity, and water resistance still pose hurdles to their widespread adoption.
Therefore, this study aimed to develop methods to find and optimize novel natural binder
formulations that enhance the structural integrity, water resistance, and durability of biobased
3D-printed objects. The focus of this research was to use natural binders and combine them with
fillers derived from biobased waste streams. Initial research identified Latex, Linseed Oil, Pine
Resin, Lignin, and Casein glue as promising binders. Tests resulted in casein glue, a milk protein
derived from cows, mixed with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) from oyster seashells as the bestperforming combination. Further exploration revealed that adding cork as an additional filler
significantly improved the viscosity, workability, and performance of the paste. From there, two
successful formulations emerged: a cork-dominant paste and a CaCO3-dominant paste. Water
absorption tests were conducted and resulted in the CaCO3-dominant paste being more waterresistant and structurally sound, despite absorbing more water, compared to the cork-dominant
paste, which exhibits increased rigidity at the cost of being prone to cracking and deformation
when drying. In collaboration with BESE and Biobased Creations, prototypes were developed that
demonstrated their potential application in the biobased building sector. Through a set of
experiments, this study highlights the impact of external factors such as environmental
conditions, printer settings, and lab equipment on the performance of the paste. Future research
should focus on optimizing cork and calcium carbonate ratios, experimenting with the casein glue
mixture, testing other fillers, conducting mechanical and biodegradability tests, and exploring
crosslinking and biobased waterproofing coatings to enhance material properties. These findings
aim to set a framework for investigating new potential binders and creating binder formulations
for biobased 3D printing. | |
