Additively manufactured biomorphic cellular structures inspired by wood microstructure

Bionic ordered structured hydrogels: structure types, design strategies, optimization mechanism of mechanical properties and applications

Natural organisms, such as lobsters, lotus, and humans, exhibit exceptional mechanical properties due to their ordered structures. However, traditional hydrogels have limitations in their mechanical and physical properties due to their disordered molecular structures when compared with natural organisms. Therefore, inspired by nature and the properties of hydrogels similar to those of biological soft tissues, researchers are increasingly focusing on how to investigate bionic ordered structured hydrogels and render them as bioengineering soft materials with unique mechanical properties. In this paper, we systematically introduce the various structure types, design strategies, and optimization mechanisms used to enhance the strength, toughness, and anti-fatigue properties of bionic ordered structured hydrogels in recent years. We further review the potential applications of bionic ordered structured hydrogels in various fields, including sensors, bioremediation materials, actuators, and impact-resistant materials. Finally, we summarize the challenges and future development prospects of bionic ordered structured hydrogels in preparation and applications.

Additive Manufacturing Using Agriculturally Derived Biowastes: A Systematic Literature Review

Agriculturally derived biowastes can be transformed into a diverse range of materials, including powders, fibers, and filaments, which can be used in additive manufacturing methods. This review study reports a study that analyzes the existing literature on the development of novel materials from agriculturally derived biowastes for additive manufacturing methods. A review was conducted of 57 selected publications since 2016 covering various agriculturally derived biowastes, different additive manufacturing methods, and potential large-scale applications of additive manufacturing using these materials. Wood, fish, and algal cultivation wastes were also included in the broader category of agriculturally derived biowastes. Further research and development are required to optimize the use of agriculturally derived biowastes for additive manufacturing, particularly with regard to material innovation, improving print quality and mechanical properties, as well as exploring large-scale industrial applications.

Use of Wood in Additive Manufacturing: Review and Future Prospects

Polymers filled with natural-based fillers have shown growing demand/interest in recent years, including in additive manufacturing. Like most natural fillers in 3D printing, wood particles serve mainly as a filler that lowers the cost of the printing material due to their low price. However, could wood be used as a main ingredient to affect/improve the properties of 3D-printed parts? Several advantages, such as its reinforcing ability, biodegradability, availability as waste material from other industries, ability to be used in different forms or only in partial components, recycling options or even the use of its undesirable hydromorph-induced dimensional instability for 4D printing, indicate the importance of exploring its use in 3D printing. A review of publications on 3D printing with wood biomass and technologies involving the use of wood particles and components was conducted to identify the possibilities of using wood in additive technologies and their potential.