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Low Solids Emulsion Gels Based on Nanocellulose for 3D-Printing
Siqi Huan1, Rubina Ajdary1, Long Bai1
1Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering , Aalto University , P.O. Box 16300, FIN-00076 Aalto , Espoo , Finland.
Biomacromolecules
|September 22, 2018
Summary
This study developed novel 3D printable inks using cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and polylactide (PLA) for high-fidelity scaffolds. These materials offer excellent shape retention and tunable water absorption, enabling robust dryable 3D structures.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Developing advanced materials for 3D printing requires inks with controlled rheology and post-printing stability.
- Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and polylactide (PLA) are promising components, but their combination presents challenges in achieving desired properties like shape retention and tunable water absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formulate and characterize multiphase (emulsion) gels using low loadings of CNF, alginate, and PLA as inks for direct ink writing (DIW).
- To investigate the influence of formulation and composition on the rheology, morphology, printability, and post-drying properties of the developed inks.
- To assess the shape retention, mechanical strength, and water absorption capabilities of the 3D printed scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of multiphase emulsion gels with varying fractions of CNF, alginate, and PLA.
- Rheological and morphological characterization of the formulated gels to assess suitability for DIW.
- 3D printing of cubic scaffolds and other solid designs using the developed inks.
- Evaluation of printing fidelity, shrinkage (room temperature and freeze-drying), and shape retention.
- Mechanical testing (compression strain) and water absorption (swelling) studies.
Main Results:
- The formulated gels exhibited properties suitable for DIW, enabling high printing fidelity and minimal shrinkage (0-5%) after drying.
- Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) in the continuous phase were crucial for rheology control, printability, and structural reliability.
- Polylactide (PLA) incorporation significantly improved shape retention by resisting shrinkage during drying and enhanced mechanical strength.
- The 3D printed scaffolds demonstrated high water absorption (400-900% swelling) without shape deformation, with swelling inversely correlated to PLA content.
- Compatibilization of hydrophilic CNF and hydrophobic PLA components led to shape-controlled, dryable 3D structural materials.
Conclusions:
- Low-solids CNF- and PLA-based emulsion gels can be effectively used as DIW inks for creating dimensionally stable 3D scaffolds.
- The developed materials offer a unique combination of shape retention, mechanical support, and tunable water absorption.
- This work opens avenues for creating robust, dryable 3D printed objects with controlled hydration properties.
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