3D printing is becoming increasingly popular, as it is a relatively fast method to produce objects with little waste material. The most commonly used filaments are PLA, ABS, and PETG, of which only PLA is biobased, but a new challenger has entered the arena! Researchers from the Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry developed a 100 per cent cellulose-derived PEF material for 3D printing that has a higher chemical resistance than other filaments.

The new poly(ethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate) or PEF material is made from cellulose, which is turned into HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural), which, in turn, is oxidised to make FDCA (2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid). This material has a chemical reaction with methanol, which turns it into PEF. While this may sound quite complicated, the process is in fact pretty simple and can be done at an industrial scale.

The material can be used in common 3D printers, without any hardware adjustments necessary.

The researchers note that there are some drawbacks to commercially available filaments, as plastic products made from PLA, ABS, and PETG lose their structural integrity when exposed to organic solvents. The new PEF material, however, does not.

The material shows key advantages for 3D printing, such as optimal adhesion, thermoplasticity, lack of delamination and low heat shrinkage. The material can even be recycled several times, which makes the carbon neutral material even more sustainable.

Photo: Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry