Sustainable Additive Manufacturing Materials from Waste Biomass

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Additive Manufacturing, AM, more commonly referred to as 3D Printing, enables the layering of materials to produce a wide array of 3D models in sectors such as aerospace, auto, toys, and, perhaps most importantly, medical applications. This computer driven technology makes use of 3D scans or computer generated models to produce three dimensional objects composed of any one of a number of powder based substances such as metals, sand, or plastics. Some major drawbacks of many of the substances used in AM are the exorbitant cost associated with these substances as well as their ready availability from local sources. A potential solution lies in the use of sustainable materials obtained from waste biomass. The use of waste biomass presents a viable, far less expensive, renewable, and environmentally friendly source of substrates for use in AM. Furthermore, many types of biomass waste can be locally sourced across many regions of Canada decreasing dependence on external sources. Among the potential sources of biomass waste to be studied as viable AM materials are lignin, chitin, and algal cake (or combinations of these). Nova Scotia has ample access to these biopolymers from waste biomass in the form of lignin waste from the pulp and paper process, waste crustacean shells, and algal waste which are typically disposed of in landfills or settling ponds, etc. Hence, the development of an AM process utilizing these sources of biomass waste represent a value added aspect to the associated industries. The proposal herein seeks to investigate the viability of such waste biomass for use in AM. The composition of each biomass source will be determined followed by assessing chemical and physical properties of each and their suitability for use in AM either individually or as composite combinations thereof.