(240f) Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printing of Industrial Hemp Waste Polymer Composites

Three-dimensional (3D) printing through fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a promising and material-efficient technology. Industrial hemp waste, the hemp waste after extracting CBD oil, is considered as non-utilized biomass and directly goes to landfill. Hence, this study aims to use industrial hemp waste as filler to enhance polymer properties for high value-added applications. However, the high extractives content of the hemp waste can cause difficulties in its extrusion and 3D printing due to nozzle clogging, insufficient mechanical strength, and other technical challenges.

In this study, the industrial hemp waste was treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to enhance its performance as a filler by controlling its protein content for making 3D printing products with polylactic acid (PLA). The goal of this project is to study the feasibility of fabricating industrial hemp waste/PLA composites and also investigate the effect of filler content on the mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposites. The results indicated that by removing the extractives, the compatibility of hemp waste with plastics would be improved, thus enhancing the interactions between hemp waste and polymer matrix, ultimately improving the properties of 3D printing composites.