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.
New Research Results Highlights the Potential of Modified Lignin-PLA Blends for Sustainable 3D Printing
