Scientists from Rice University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have collaborated to develop a novel method of producing an ink from leftover wood waste that can be utilized in the 3D printing of wood-like items. The findings of their study were recently published in the journal Science Advances.
Crafting furniture and other objects from wood is a time-consuming and inefficient process. The wood is cut, sawed, and sanded to create the desired shape, leaving behind numerous small wood pieces and sawdust. However, this research team has found a way to repurpose these discarded materials to produce new wood-based items.
To create their ink, the scientists first ground the wood waste into a fine dust. They then employed chemical treatments to break down the cellulose and lignin components into even smaller nanocrystals and nanofibers. These were then combined with water to form a clay-like mixture, which was used as the ink for a 3D printer.
Using this ink, the team successfully printed small-scale objects like miniature tables and chairs. These products were then subjected to freeze-drying and heating at 180°C to fuse the cellulose and lignin together, resulting in a final product that resembled natural wood.
By adjusting the printing process, the researchers were able to incorporate wood-like textures into their creations. They also discovered that the finished products emitted a natural wood scent. Additionally, durability tests revealed that the 3D-printed objects were up to six times stronger than their original wood counterparts (specifically
While the technique has only been tested on small objects, the team believes that it can be applied to produce larger items, such as furniture and even entire houses. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also offers a sustainable solution for utilizing wood materials in manufacturing.