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Transforming Biodiesel Waste: The Future of 3D Printing with Soy Byproducts
The 3D printing and biodiesel industries, researchers at the University of Louisville have discovered a method to repurpose waste from soy biodiesel production into valuable 3D printing filaments. This innovative approach, led by Dr. Jagannadh Satyavolu, turns matter organic non-glycerol (MONG), a significant waste byproduct, into copolymers suitable for 3D printing. This not only provides an eco-friendly solution to waste management but also opens new possibilities for sustainable manufacturing.
Dr. Satyavolu’s team focused on converting MONG into usable 3D printing filaments by improving its thermal stability through various treatments. They explored two main pretreatment methods: acid treatment and a combination of acid and peroxide. The latter method proved most effective, resulting in a stabilized paste with reduced soap content, increased crystallinity, and the formation of low molecular weight small chain fatty acids. These characteristics make MONG an excellent candidate for copolymerization with thermoplastic polymers.
Dr. Satyavolu explains, “Our approach not only addresses the waste issue associated with biodiesel production but also provides a new, sustainable material for the rapidly growing 3D printing industry.”
Findings and Implications. The researchers’ comprehensive analysis of MONG’s physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, and thermal stability revealed promising results. Treated MONG displayed improved properties that make it a viable alternative to synthetic polymers used in 3D printing. Specifically, the acid and acid + peroxide treatments effectively split soap, reduced water solubility, and increased glycerol content, enhancing the material’s suitability for 3D printing applications.
One notable outcome of the study was the increase in formic acid and oxirane concentration after the acid + peroxide treatment, indicating successful epoxidation. This is a crucial factor in improving MONG’s thermal stability, making it more suitable for 3D printing filaments. The utilization of MONG in 3D printing is a significant step toward sustainable manufacturing. By transforming a waste product into a valuable resource, this research supports the development of carbon-neutral composites, contributing to a more sustainable future. Over the next ten years, we can expect to see more advancements in the use of biodiesel byproducts in various applications, further integrating sustainability into industrial practices.
Dr. Satyavolu adds, “Our findings suggest that with continued research and development, MONG-based materials could become a staple in the 3D printing industry, promoting both economic and environmental benefits.”
Sreesha Malayil et al, DOI: 10.1016/j.jobab.2023.04.001. Utilization of residual fatty acids in matter organic non-glycerol from a soy biodiesel plant in filaments used for 3D printing.
By Science X staff. Soy biodiesel byproduct could enhance 3D printing industry.
Nature’s 3D Printer: Insights from Bristle Worms
Unraveling the mysteries of nature’s 3D printer, a recent interdisciplinary study led by molecular biologist Florian Raible from the Max Perutz Labs at the University of Vienna sheds light on the bristles of marine annelid worm Platynereis dumerilii. Published in Nature Communications, the research unveils the astonishing similarities between chaetoblasts, specialized cells in bristle worms, and the operation of technical 3D printers.
These bristles, composed of beta chitin, enable bristle worms to navigate their aquatic habitats. Through a meticulous process akin to 3D printing, chaetoblasts sequentially form bristles from tip to base, akin to layers in additive manufacturing. This process holds promise for biomedical applications, given the unique properties of beta chitin, potentially revolutionizing wound dressings and biodegradable materials.
Key to this process are microvilli-rich chaetoblasts, resembling nozzles in a 3D printer. These structures harbor enzymes crucial for chitin formation, orchestrating the precise shaping of bristles. Collaborating with experts from Vienna University of Technology, Masaryk University in Brno, and the University of Helsinki, the study employs advanced imaging techniques, including serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), to unveil the dynamic surface of chaetoblasts.
As researchers delve deeper into bristle biogenesis, the potential for future applications expands. Improved resolution imaging aims to uncover finer details, driving advancements in medical products and sustainable materials. From wound healing to eco-friendly alternatives, the insights gleaned from nature’s 3D printer promise a future ripe with innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Peer-Reviewed Publication. UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA. Nature’s 3D printer: bristle worms form bristles piece by piece.
