Student: Franka F.E. Pels Rijcken
Supervisors: Arjan Habraken, Faas Moonen, Vincent Staat
19-06-2025
Abstract
In order to design and fabricate a parametric structural element made from a bio-based material using additive manufacturing, a newly developed 3D printable material was investigated. The material was inspired by the work of Bierach and Coelho (2022), who developed two promising mixtures consisting of cellulose, lignin and a binder: methylcellulose (MC) or wood glue (WG). These two mixtures were improved by adjusting the compositions and also a third binder (bio-glue (BG)) was investigated. The best performing mixtures combined cellulose, lignin and Valida L,3 % with WG or BG. Mechanical tests were performed to determine the mechanical properties of these mixtures. Despite the slightly higher strength of WG, the BG mixture was preferred because of its fully bio-based composition. The mechanical properties of the BG mixture were improved by the addition of flax fibres. A truss-like beam was digitally designed, optimised and printed using the BG with flax mixture. It was subjected to a bending test and results indicate that the structural strength and behaviour of this newly developed bio-based material is promising. The new material shows great potential for the building industry, as its mechanical properties are comparable to those of other low-strength materials already in use. At the moment, the material’s strength and stiffness are not structurally safe. And therefore, this needs further research to become suitable for structural applications.
Keywords: Bio-based material, wood printing, cellulose, lignin, flax fibres, additive manufacturing, liquid deposition modelling (LDM), mechanical testing, parametric design, structural optimization
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Cite this
Study of the structural behaviour of a digitally designed structural element (beam)made from a bio-based material using additive manufacturing.
Pels Rijcken, F.E.. (Author). 19-06-2025
RESED 