Additive Manufacturing with Natural Materials
Problem Statement
The increasing use of plastics, which in most cases are prepared by polymerization of monomers derived from a non-renewable source, creates major waste management and environmental problems. Unsustainability of the current use of plastics is driving a growing interest in biomaterials that are fully biodegradable and recyclable.
Objective
To develop naturally biodegradable materials with desired structural properties and a sustainable large-scale manufacturing system based on additive manufacturing and biological principles for a more sustainable society
Key Benefits/Outcomes
Successfully developed the cellular-chitin composites material which is strong, lightweight and inexpensive, which would have an immediate impact on sustainable development and on the economic burden of waste management.
Developed the extrusion based printing system utilizing 6-axis robotic system and AI modelling capable of predicting the process outcome.
Applications & Deployment
Art installations, Advertising, Architectural, Furnishing