Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to recycle waste wood into an ink suitable for 3D printing, offering a promising solution for producing furniture and potentially even constructing houses.
Led by Muhammad Rahman, the team devised the process to transform waste wood into lignin and cellulose, two key components essential for the stiff structure of wood. These components were then combined with water to create a clay-like ink, paving the way for eco-friendly 3D printing.
By harnessing this ink, the researchers successfully printed miniature furniture and intricate honeycomb structures, showcasing its versatility and potential applications. Notably, the printed objects exhibited high durability, surpassing natural wood in compression tests and demonstrating up to three times greater flexibility in bending tests.
To further enhance the strength of the printed items, the researchers implemented a post-processing technique involving freeze-drying to remove moisture, followed by controlled heating to fuse lignin with cellulose. This process not only reinforced the structural integrity but also replicated the visual, textural, and olfactory properties of natural wood, ensuring a seamless transition to sustainable manufacturing methods.
“We can actually mimic all the visual, textural and olfactory properties of natural wood,” said Rahman.
“We need to rethink how we can make structures without cutting down trees. If we can recycle waste wood using 3D printing instead of conventional manufacturing, that would be a good step forward.”
Looking ahead, the researchers envision scaling up production to construct larger structures such as houses, thereby reducing the reliance on traditional timber resources and minimizing environmental impact. The project highlights the importance of reimagining manufacturing processes to align with principles of sustainability and resource conservation.
Source: newscientist.com
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