3D Printed Cellulose Nanocrystals Are as Hard as Aluminum Alloys

At MIT, a team of researchers has developed a composite material from a synthetic polymer and cellulose nanocrystals. Designed in the form of a gel, it was used to 3D print different shapes, including a tooth, in order to demonstrate the possible future applications of this material. This includes the possibility of producing dental implants with interesting properties when it comes to strength and durability.

Cellulose is a component found in plants, trees and other living species such as algae or bacteria. It is a very abundant natural structure on our planet, which makes it a particularly interesting subject of study for many researchers. Last year, we introduced you to the European project NOVUM which is looking into transforming cellulose into 3D printing material. It would be a greener alternative to petroleum-based products that could have a strong environmental impact on many different industries, including additive manufacturing.

The team succeeded in reproducing the shape of a tooth using this composite material (photo credits: MIT)

The MIT team looked at nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC), which the researchers describe as organic polymer chains arranged in near-perfect crystal patterns that can be extracted from cellulose fibers by acid hydrolysis. These CNCs have unique properties including high strength, thermostability and high chemical reactivity. And just so, the team wanted to build on its strength and understand how they could exploit this abundant material.