Homogeneous distribution of lignin/graphene fillers with enhanced interlayer adhesion for 3D printing filament

The attention to pursuing biodegradable fillers as reinforcement in three-dimensional (3D) printing filament and enhancing interlayer adhesion has led to the exploitation of agricultural biomass. In this study, organosolv lignin fillers can act as the aforementioned twofold purposes in preparing acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament for fused deposition modeling (FDM). In this study, the lignin polymer composites were homogenized with graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) as a reinforcer. Essentially, ABS 3D printing at 90(o) with the reinforcement fillers shows a significant increment in the mechanical properties owing to better interlayer adhesion. The printed product promotes a substantial improvement on the tensile stress up to 29.1% compared with neat polymers. Furthermore, 3D printing using lignin/GnP composite filaments shows the feasibility of biofillers to be used as filaments for FDM 3D printing of complex geometries even though the surface finish has been affected.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the use of organosolv lignin fillers and graphene nanoplatelets as reinforcements in ABS filament for 3D printing, showing significant improvements in mechanical properties and interlayer adhesion. While the use of lignin/GnP composite filaments may impact surface finish, it still showcases the feasibility of using biofillers for complex geometries in FDM 3D printing.