Biocomposites Fit to Print: ORNL Measures the Mettle of Corn Stover, Switchgrass Materials
ORNL researchers found that moderate levels of ash, sometimes found as spheres, in biomass do not significantly affect the mechanical properties of biocomposites made up of corn stover, switchgrass, and PLA thermoplastic. Image courtesy of Andy Sproles/ORNL
A team led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) found that the presence of minerals, known as ash, in plants makes little difference to the fitness of new additive manufacturing biocomposites. While differences in biomass ash content levels can affect biomass processing, ORNL’s new research shows that using biomass ash left over from the handling and processing of corn stover and switchgrass feedstocks could lower the overall cost of producing sustainable fuels and materials.
Switchgrass and corn stover are a significant biomass resource in the U.S, so maximizing their efficiency as feedstocks improves the strength and sustainability of the biomass supply chain. In this study, fibers from corn stover and switchgrass mixed with polylactic acid (PLA) resulted in biocomposites with satisfactory properties for 3D printing. Furthermore, stress and strain tolerance and tensile strength were acceptable in corn stover composites with as much as 12% ash content.
The team, which includes scientists from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Northwestern University, will next explore additional biomass materials and test composites in a large-volume printer at ORNL. Read more about this research supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO).
BETO supports research, development, and demonstration to enable the sustainable use of domestic biomass and waste resources for the production of biofuels and bioproducts. BETO is part of DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
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