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Patti A. Challenges to Improve Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing Process of Thermoplastics toward Sustainable Development. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400249. [PMID: 38818529 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
This review aims to present the different approaches to lessen the environmental impact of the extrusion-based additive manufacturing (MEX) process of thermoplastic-based resins and protect the ecosystem. The benefits and drawbacks of each alternative, including the use of biomaterials or recycled materials as feedstock, energy efficiency, and polluting emissions reduction, have been examined. First, the technological option of using a pellet-fed printer was compared to a filament-fed printer. Then, common biopolymers utilized in MEX applications are discussed, along with methods for improving the mechanical properties of associated printed products. The introduction of natural fillers in thermoplastic resins and the use of biocomposite filaments have been proposed to improve the specific performance of printed items, highlighting the numerous challenges related to their extrusion. Various polymers and fillers derived from recycling are presented as feeding raw materials for printers to reduce waste accumulation, showing the inferior qualities of the resulting goods when compared to printed products made from virgin materials. Finally, the energy consumption and emissions released into the atmosphere during the printing process are discussed, with the potential for both aspects to be controlled through material selection and operating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Patti
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, Catania, CT, 95125, Italy
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Schutz GF, de Ávila Gonçalves S, Alves RMV, Vieira RP. A review of starch-based biocomposites reinforced with plant fibers. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 261:129916. [PMID: 38311134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Renewable and biodegradable resources have gained increasing attention as promising alternatives to synthetic plastics. Among the diverse raw materials employed in bioplastics production, starch emerges as an attractive, low-cost, and largely available source. However, the inherent properties of starch-based materials often limit their utility across various applications, necessitating strategic modifications to enhance their performance. A common approach to boost these materials involves incorporating natural fillers into biopolymer matrices. Incorporating natural fibers within starch matrices enables the development of biocomposites with improved properties while retaining their renewable and biodegradable characteristics. This review briefly addresses fundamental aspects of starch structure, obtention, and processing, as well as the main pre-treatments of natural fibers and processing methods currently applied to produce starch-based composites. It also highlights the most recent advances in this field, elucidates the effect of the incorporation of fibers on the biocomposite properties, and discusses the critical parameters affecting the synergic combination between starch and fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Frey Schutz
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Sayeny de Ávila Gonçalves
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosa Maria Vercelino Alves
- Instituto de Tecnologia de Alimentos (ITAL), Centro de Tecnologia de Embalagem (CETEA), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roniérik Pioli Vieira
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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D’Arienzo L, Acierno S, Patti A, Di Maio L. Cellulose/Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Composites as a Sustainable Bio-Based Feedstock to 3D-Printing Applications. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:916. [PMID: 38399168 PMCID: PMC10890324 DOI: 10.3390/ma17040916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
In this work, we have studied the potential application for 3D-printing of a polymer made from combining a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer (i.e., polyhydroxybutyrate, PHB) with natural bio-based fiber (i.e., cellulose). To this end, a masterbatch at 15 wt.% in filler content was prepared by melt-blending, and then this system was "diluted" with pure PHB in a second extrusion phase in order to produce filaments at 1.5 and 3 wt.% of cellulose. For comparison, a filament made of 100% virgin PHB pellets was prepared under the same conditions. All the systems were then processed in the 3D-printer apparatus, and specimens were mainly characterized by static (tensile and flexural testing) and dynamic mechanical analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, spectroscopic measurements, and morphological aspects of PHB polymer and composites were also discussed. The results showed a significant negative impact of the process on the mechanical properties of the basic PHB with a reduction in both tensile and flexural mechanical properties. The PHB-cellulose composites showed a good dispersion filler in the matrix but a poor interfacial adhesion between the two phases. Furthermore, the cellulose had no effect on the melting behavior and the crystallinity of the polymer. The addition of cellulose improved the thermal stability of the polymer and minimized the negative impact of extrusion. The mechanical performance of the composites was found to be higher compared to the corresponding (processed) polymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia D’Arienzo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (L.D.); (L.D.M.)
| | - Stefano Acierno
- Department of Engineering, University of Sannio, Piazza Roma 21, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Antonella Patti
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Luciano Di Maio
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (L.D.); (L.D.M.)
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Choi J, Lee EJ, Jang WB, Kwon SM. Development of Biocompatible 3D-Printed Artificial Blood Vessels through Multidimensional Approaches. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:497. [PMID: 37888162 PMCID: PMC10607080 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14100497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the human body, the intricate network of blood vessels plays a pivotal role in transporting nutrients and oxygen and maintaining homeostasis. Bioprinting is an innovative technology with the potential to revolutionize this field by constructing complex multicellular structures. This technique offers the advantage of depositing individual cells, growth factors, and biochemical signals, thereby facilitating the growth of functional blood vessels. Despite the challenges in fabricating vascularized constructs, bioprinting has emerged as an advance in organ engineering. The continuous evolution of bioprinting technology and biomaterial knowledge provides an avenue to overcome the hurdles associated with vascularized tissue fabrication. This article provides an overview of the biofabrication process used to create vascular and vascularized constructs. It delves into the various techniques used in vascular engineering, including extrusion-, droplet-, and laser-based bioprinting methods. Integrating these techniques offers the prospect of crafting artificial blood vessels with remarkable precision and functionality. Therefore, the potential impact of bioprinting in vascular engineering is significant. With technological advances, it holds promise in revolutionizing organ transplantation, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. By mimicking the natural complexity of blood vessels, bioprinting brings us one step closer to engineering organs with functional vasculature, ushering in a new era of medical advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewoo Choi
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (J.C.); (E.J.L.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ji Lee
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (J.C.); (E.J.L.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Bi Jang
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (J.C.); (E.J.L.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mo Kwon
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (J.C.); (E.J.L.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
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