Modified Lignin-PLA Blends for Sustainable 3D Printing

A recent study explored the use of tailored lignin, an aromatic biomacromolecule, in polymer blends with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) for additive manufacturing. Filament blends containing high lignin content (30–70%) were successfully processed and 3D-printed using fused deposition modeling (FDM). The materials showed promising recyclability, retaining mechanical properties for up to three re-extrusion cycles. Notably, phenolated organosolv lignin outperformed kraft lignins in printability across a range of compositions, while maintaining comparable thermal and mechanical performance. These findings underscore the potential tailoring lignin properties for lignin-based blends in advancing sustainable and recyclable 3D printing materials. The modified lignin also has additional benefits to Kraft lignin as it is bright in color and odorless.

ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 2024, 6, 13574−13584