Researchers at Politecnico di Torino developed PBAT-based composites with agro-waste fillers using selective laser sintering (SLS).
These materials offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional polymers.
The composites are biodegradable and particularly suitable for biomedical applications.
Selective Laser Sintering: Researchers Develop Sustainable 3D Printing Materials.
Researchers at Politecnico di Torino have developed an innovative method to produce biodegradable PBAT-based composites using selective laser sintering (SLS). They utilize corn by-products and wine residues as biofillers in the PBAT matrix. This method offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional polymer materials and could be particularly useful in the biomedical field.
The PBAT composite powders were processed into spherical particles using an emulsion solvent method, making them highly suitable for the SLS process. These biofilled composites exhibited good dimensional accuracy and could print complex structures. Various methods such as Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) were used to characterize the thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties of the composites.
By incorporating biofillers into PBAT, material costs were reduced while maintaining biodegradability. The resulting bio-composites demonstrated increased structural complexity and were processable with good dimensional stability and porosity.
This research highlights the potential of agro-waste fillers in biodegradable polymers for 3D printing applications. This sustainable approach to material development could be particularly advantageous in the biomedical sector. Using biological waste not only benefits the environment but also enables more cost-effective production.
