3D printing using plant-derived cellulose and its derivatives: A review

Lei Dai; Ting Cheng; Chao Duan; Wei Zhao; Weipeng Zhang; Xuejun Zou; Joseph Aspler; Yonghao Ni

doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.09.027

3D printing using plant-derived cellulose and its derivatives: A review

Carbohydr Polym. 2019 Jan 1:203:71-86. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.09.027. Epub 2018 Sep 19.

Authors

Lei Dai¹, Ting Cheng², Chao Duan², Wei Zhao², Weipeng Zhang³, Xuejun Zou⁴, Joseph Aspler⁴, Yonghao Ni⁵

Affiliations

¹ College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3, Canada. Electronic address: dailei@sust.edu.cn.
² College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China.
³ Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3, Canada.
⁴ FPInnovations, 570 boul. St-Jean, Pointe-Claire, Quebec, H9R3J9, Canada.
⁵ College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3, Canada. Electronic address: yonghao@unb.ca.

PMID: 30318237
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.09.027

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is classified as a revolutionary, disruptive manufacturing technology. Cellulose (the most abundant natural polymer) and its many derivatives have been widely studied for many applications. The combination of 3D printing with cellulose-based feedstocks is therefore of critical interest. This review highlights many studies on 3D printing applications of plant-derived cellulose and its derivatives. Potential materials include cellulose ethers/esters, microcrystalline cellulose, nanocellulosic materials, and other products. It focuses on their roles and functions in 3D printing processes and the performance of the resultant printed objects. The outlook for future work is also provided, to underscore critical issues and opportunities.

Keywords: 3D printing; Cellulose; Cellulose ester; Cellulose ether; Microcrystalline cellulose; Nanocellulose.

Publication types

Review