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Publication
3D Printed Preforms for Manufacturing Flexible Cork Composites
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| 7.23 MB | Adobe PDF |
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Abstract(s)
As concerns around climate and carbon footprint are better understood, countries around the world are increasingly pricing carbon. Initiatives such as the Paris Accord are a good example. As pricing carbon becomes more important, within the context of the manufacturing industry, sustainable materials are going to be well positioned to out-perform traditional non-renewables.
Recycled cork has the potential to serve as a substitute to current petroleum-based foams; and a more sustainable, lower carbon footprint alternative, at the same or similar cost.
This thesis will discuss the need for a new approach to the mass production of cork polymer composite materials, and the potential for additive manufacturing techniques to satisfy this need and improve their performance, while also reducing their environmental impact.
The proposed solution is a process for 3D printing cork preforms for compression molded TPE based cork polymer composites. This method will provide precise software-based density control, making it possible to fabricate highly flexible, lightweight composite parts without sacrificing durability.
Description
Keywords
Natural cork Cork polymer composites Sustainability Additive manufacturing 3D printing Thermoplastic elastomers