3D Bioprinting of Functional Materials from Wood, WOODINK,

Important results from the project

We succeeded to 3D-print a cellulose hydrogel from wood and there after dry the gel with the structure intact. This means that bio-based materials can be included in the ongoing 3D-printing revolution, where plastics and metals have been the main materials. A functional ink with the ability to conduct currents and be printed by the same process was also developed within the project. A newly developed 3D-bioprinter has been equipped with 2 printer heads, making it possible to print with different functionalities in one structure.

Expected long term effects

An unexpected result was the discovery of a resolution increase during the drying of the hydrogel. The resolution was at this point determined to increase at least 14 times in one direction under the correct drying conditions. Mixing the cellulose hydrogel with carbon nanotubes it was possible to create a conductive ink, where the possible uses could be sensors in textiles or packages, energy harvesting and others. Demonstrators are being produced at this time to show the possibilities.

Approach and implementation

A quantitive method for determination of the printability of different inks was developed and used along with rheological measurements to evaluate different ink formulations. Thereafter, different drying conditions was evaluated and a conductive ink was developed with different amounts of carbon nanotubes. The iterative process work well when the everyone new the goals.