ORNL develops lignin-based composite 3D printing material
Researchers have found that combining lignin with nylon yields a composite with increased room temperature stiffness and decreased melt viscosity.
Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Oak Ridge, TN, US) have developed a renewable 3D printing feedstock using lignin, a biofuels byproduct.
The group, led by Amit Naskar, reportedly combined a melt-stable hardwood lignin with conventional plastic, a low-melting nylon and carbon fiber to create a composite with the right characteristics for extrusion and weld strength between layers during the printing process, as well as good mechanical properties.
While lignin chars easily and can only be heated to a certain temperature for softening and extrusion from a 3D-printing nozzle, the researchers found that combining lignin with nylon increased the composite’s room temperature stiffness and decreased its melt viscosity. According to ORNL, the scientists were also able to mix in a higher percentage of lignin—40% to 50% by weight. They then added 4% to 16% carbon fiber.
The lignin-nylon composite is patent-pending and work to refine the material and find other ways to process it continues. The research was funded by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office.
Related Content
-
Plant tour: Aernnova Composites, Toledo and Illescas, Spain
RTM and ATL/AFP high-rate production sites feature this composites and engineering leader’s continued push for excellence and innovation for future airframes.
-
The next evolution in AFP
Automated fiber placement develops into more compact, flexible, modular and digitized systems with multi-material and process capabilities.
-
Plant tour: Spirit AeroSystems, Belfast, Northern Ireland, U.K.
Purpose-built facility employs resin transfer infusion (RTI) and assembly technology to manufacture today’s composite A220 wings, and prepares for future new programs and production ramp-ups.