A color-changeable 3D printing material based on inulin composite and printing method thereof

Abstract

A 3D printing material comprising inulin, a calcium salt, a magnesium salt and a zinc salt. Preferably, the calcium salt is calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, and / or calcium carbonate, the magnesium salt is magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and / or magnesium carbonate, and the zinc salt is zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, and zinc carbonate. Preferably, the material comprises an edible pigment selected from betalains, anthocyanins, turmeric, lutein, and / or carotene. Preferably, the color-changing material comprises 5-8 parts inulin, 0.02-0.3 parts anthocyanin, 0.01-0.2 parts calcium chloride, 0.002-0.02 parts zinc chloride, and 0.05-1 parts magnesium chloride. Also claimed is a printing method using the material comprising first mixing the raw materials, adding water, while heating and stirring, at 50°C-90°C with a stirring speed 200rpm-600rpm, for 3-8min. The mixed material is left to rest in a printing tube for 2h-24h until a full gelation is completed. The salts reduce gelation time. 3D printing parameters are set, which preferably are nozzle diameter 0.5mm-1mm, extrusion output 100%-300%, layer height 0.4mm-0.6mm, nozzle temperature 10°C-45°C, and nozzle moving speed 15mm / s-40mm / s. Preferably, the water added results in an inulin concentration of 0.5g / mL-0.8g / mL.

Description

[0002] Along with the development of technology, 3D food printing technology, a new food processing method, has attracted increasing attention because it allows personalized customization of food shape, taste and nutritional ingredients by precisely controlling the layer-by-layer additive processing of materials, thus offering unprecedented innovation opportunities to the food industry. However, the selection of suitable printing materials has always been one of the key factors limiting the development of 3D food printing technology.

[0003] As a soluble dietary fiber, inulin has many benefits including improving digestive health, encouraging probiotic growth, enhancing immunity, as well as regulating blood glucose and lipid levels. Therefore, inulin is regarded as a natural functional food ingredient. In the 3D food printing sector, inulin is often used as an ingredient to improve the gelling properties of protein or other main ingredients. However, the high water solubility and viscosity of inulin make it, on its own, difficult to form a stable and fine structure when 3D printing, resulting in low precision and poor formability of the printed products, which are susceptible to dehydration and deformation after long-term storage. These limiting factors hinder the direct use of inulin as a primary raw material for additive manufacturing, thereby restricting its widespread application in the field of 3D food printing. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides a color-changeable 3D printing material based on an inulin composite and a printing method thereof, which can effectively address the above problems.

[0005] The present disclosure proposes the following solutions.

[0006] A color-changeable 3D printing material based on an inulin composite, wherein the color-changeable 3D printing material comprises inulin, a calcium salt, a magnesium salt and a zinc salt.

[0007] In some embodiments, the calcium salt is one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, and calcium carbonate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the magnesium salt is one or more compunds selected from a group consisting of magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium carbonate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the zinc salt is one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, and zinc carbonate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the color-changeable 3D printing material further comprises an edible pigment.

[0011] In some embodiments, the edible pigment is one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of betalains, anthocyanins, turmeric, lutein, and carotene.

[0012] In some embodiments, the color-changeable 3D printing material comprises 5-8 parts of inulin, 0.02-0.3 parts of anthocyanin, 0.01-0.2 parts of calcium chloride, 0.002-0.02 parts of zinc chloride, and 0.05-1 parts of magnesium chloride.

[0013] A printing method using the above-mentioned color-changeable 3D printing material, comprising the following steps: SI. mixing all the raw materials, adding water, and performing heating and stirring, wherein a stirring temperature is 50°C-90°C, a stirring rotation speed is 200rpm-600rpm, a stirring duration is 3min-8min, then placing a mixed material into a printing tube to rest for 2h-24h until a full gelation is completed.

[0014] S2. setting printing parameters to perform 3D printing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the printing parameters comprises a nozzle diameter 0.5mm-lmm, an extrusion output 100%-300%, a layer height 0.4mm-0.6mm, a nozzle temperature 10°C-45°C, and a nozzle moving speed 15mm / s-40mm / s.

[0016] In some embodiments, the quantity of water added results in an inulin concentration of 0.5g / mL-0.8g / mL.

[0017] The present disclosure has the following advantages.

[0018] The color-changeable 3D printing material of the present disclosure is supplemented with calcium, magnesium and zinc minerals, which significantly improves the gelling properties of pure inulin and greatly shortens its gelation time.

[0019] The color-changeable 3D printing material of the present disclosure is supplemented with calcium, magnesium and zinc minerals, which significantly improves the 3D printing formability, printing accuracy and water holding capacity over pure inulin gel.

[0020] The color-changeable 3D printing material of the present disclosure has rich color changeability and good color stability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings used for illustrating the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings merely show some of the embodiments of the present disclosure rather than and therefore should not be regarded as restrictions to the scope of protection. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other related drawings may be derived based on these drawings without paying creative efforts.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the gelation time of each pair of experimental group and control group with different proportions according to embodiment 1. Specifically, image A shows an inverted state of a gel prepared by proportion 1 and subsequently rested for 20 minutes; image B shows an inverted state of a gel prepared by proportion 2 and subsequently rested for 5 minutes; image C shows 3 an inverted state of a gel prepared by proportion 3 and subsequently rested for 5 minutes; image D shows a comparison graph of the average gelation time of the experimental group prepared by the proportion 1 and its control group; image E shows a comparison graph of the average gelation time of the experimental group prepared by the proportion 2 and its control group; image F shows a comparison graph of the average gelation time of the experimental group prepared by the proportion 3 and its control group.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows the printing performance of each pair of experimental group and control group with different proportions according to embodiment 2. Specifically, image A shows the 3D-printed products of the experimental group prepared from the proportion 1 and its control group; image B shows the 3D-printed products of the experimental group prepared from the proportion 2 and its control group; image C shows the 3D-printed products of the experimental group prepared from the proportion 3 and its control group.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows the gelation time of the experimental group prepared from proportion 2, its control group and variations according to embodiment 3. Specifically, image A shows the inverted state of the experimental group prepared from proportion 2 and its variations having rested for 0, 3, 4, 5, and 8 minutes after preparation; image B shows a comparison graph of the average gelation time of the experimental group prepared from proportion 2 and its variations.

[0025] FIG. 4 shows the accuracy and water holding capacity of the printed products according to embodiment 4. Specifically, image A compares the appearances of the 3D printed products; image B is a chart comparing the accuracy of the 3D printed products in the XYZ axis; image C is a chart comparing the water loss rate per day of the 3D printed products; image D shows a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based comparison of the interior structure of the 3D printed products.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the color changeability and stability of the formula according to embodiment 5. Specifically, image A shows a comparison of the colors of the gel of the present disclosure under three different pH conditions; 4 image B shows a comparison of the five-pointed star products printed by the gel of the present disclosure under three different pH conditions; image C shows a comparison of the printed products after being soaked in 3% hydrogen peroxide; image D shows a comparison of the absorption change rate of the anthocyanin solution at 520nm after being treated with 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0027] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure rather than all. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments derived by those of ordinary skill in the art without paying creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure sought to be patented, but merely represents the selected embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a color-changeable 3D printing material based on a special inulin composite. This composite not only contains inulin, but also incorporates a variety of minerals that are beneficial to health. Specifically, these minerals include calcium salts, magnesium salts, and zinc salts. Owing to the combination of these ingredients, the present disclosure aims to provide a 3D printing material with faster inulin gelation speed, thereby significantly improving the gelling properties of inulin. The improved inulin material achieves better performance in the 3D printing process and can better meet the requirements of the printing equipment. Also, the printed products have better stability and are less likely to dehydrate. Such color-changeable 3D printing material brings not only technical innovation, but also shows unique 5 advantages in practical applications, thereby offering new possibilities to the field of 3D printing.

[0029] In some specific embodiments, the calcium salts mentioned may be one of calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, and calcium carbonate, or a combination of these calcium salts. For example, the calcium salts may be calcium chloride alone, a mixture of calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate, or any combination of these three calcium salts.

[0030] In some specific embodiments, the magnesium salts mentioned may be one of magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium carbonate, or a combination of these magnesium salts. For example, the magnesium salts may be magnesium chloride alone, or a mixture of magnesium sulfate and magnesium carbonate, or any combination of these three magnesium salts.

[0031] In some specific embodiments, the zinc salts mentioned may be one of zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, and zinc carbonate, or a combination of these zinc salts. For example, the zinc salts may be zinc chloride alone, a mixture of zinc sulfate and zinc carbonate, or any combination of these three zinc salts.

[0032] In some specific embodiments, the color-changeable 3D printing material may also include one or more food pigments. These food pigments play an important role in color adjustment during the printing process, so that the final printed product can present a colored effect. Specifically, in these embodiments, the food pigments used may be one of betalains, anthocyanins, turmeric, lutein, and carotene or any combination thereof. These food pigments can not only provide bright colors, but also improves the visual attractiveness of the printed product.

[0033] Meanwhile, the addition of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc further improves the stability and durability of these food pigments. These minerals can protect the food pigments and prevents the food pigments from being gradually oxidized under long-term exposure to air. Therefore, the printed products will not significantly fade even long after being made, which ensures the color richness and better visual effects of the products. The proposed combination 6 can not only make the appearance of the product more attractive, but also extend the color retention time in various environments, making 3D printed products more reliable and durable in practical applications.

[0034] In some embodiments, the color-changeable 3D printing material includes 5-8 parts of inulin, 0.02-0.3 parts of anthocyanin, 0.01-0.2 parts of calcium chloride, 0.002-0.02 parts of zinc chloride, and 0.05-1 parts of magnesium chloride.

[0035] In certain specific embodiments, the color-changeable 3D printing material includes multiple ingredients to achieve its unique color-changeable properties. Specifically, the material includes inulin as a main ingredient, with an amount ranging from 5 to 8 parts. The addition of inulin provides the material with the essential basic structure to maintain its shape and stability during the printing process.

[0036] In addition, the color-changeable 3D printing material further includes anthocyanin, a natural pigment, with an amount ranging from 0.02 to 0.3 parts. The existence of anthocyanin enables the 3D-printed objects to show different colors depending on environmental conditions, such as changes in temperature, humidity or pH. With this color-changeable property, the material has a high practical value in a variety of applications.

[0037] In order to further improve the performance of the material, calcium chloride is further added, with an amount ranging from 0.01 to 0.2 parts. The calcium chloride is mainly used to adjust the hardness and flexibility of the material to provide better mechanical properties during the printing process. The calcium chloride can also enhance the thermal stability of the material, making it less likely to deform when exposed to high temperature environments.

[0038] To further optimize the performance of the material, zinc chloride is added with an amount ranging from 0.002 to 0.02 parts. The addition of zinc chloride helps to improve the corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties of the material, enabling it to maintain good performance even when it is exposed in harsh environments. In addition, the zinc chloride can enhance the transparency 7 of material, making it more attractive in certain specific applications.

[0039] Finally, in order to ensure the comprehensive performance of the material, magnesium chloride is added with an amount ranging from 0.05 to 1 part. The magnesium chloride is mainly used to enhance the strength and toughness of the material, making it less likely to break or deform when subjected to external forces. At the same time, the magnesium chloride can also improve the processing performance of the material, making it smoother during the 3D printing process.

[0040] In summary, by precisely controlling the proportion of these components, a 3D printing material with excellent color-changing properties can be prepared, which has broad application prospects in various application scenarios.

[0041] A printing method of a color-changeable 3D printing material comprises the following steps: first, various raw materials are mixed, and a suitable amount of water is added before heating and stirring operations are performed During the stirring process, the temperature needs to be controlled between 50°C-90°C to facilitate water absorption and swelling of inulin and its integration with other raw materials to form a stable gel. If the temperature is too low, the raw materials may not be fully dissolved and the gelation is incomplete; if the temperature is too high, the inulin may degrade or denature, and the resulting gel structure is unstable. Meanwhile, the stirring speed is adjusted to a range between 200rpm-600rpm to ensure that the raw materials can be evenly dispersed and steadily gelled. If the stirring speed is too low, the raw materials are unevenly dispersed and easy to agglomerate, which is not conducive for gelation; if the stirring speed is too high, excessive shearing may occur and the gel structure may be destroyed. The stirring duration should also be controlled between 3minutes -8minutes to ensure that the raw materials are fully mixed. After the stirring is completed, the mixture is loaded into a printing tube to rest for 2h-24h until a full gelation is completed.

[0042] Next, the printing parameters are set to perform 3D printing. In some specific embodiments, the printing parameters may be set as follows: nozzle diameter 8 0.5mm-lmm, extrusion output 100%-300%, layer height 0.4mm-0.6mm, nozzle temperature 10°C-45°C, and nozzle moving speed 15mm / s-40mm / s.

[0043] In some specific embodiments, the amount of water added needs to be precisely controlled to ensure that the resulting concentration of inulin is between 0.5g / mL-0.8g / mL, so as to ensure that the performance of the printing material and the printing effect are optimal. Embodiment 1 The gelation time of the formula of the present disclosure

[0044] Within the predetermined range of proportion, three proportions are selected as experimental cases. The selected proportions are as follows: proportion 1: Inulin: Anthocyanin: Calcium chloride: Zinc chloride: Magnesium chloride = 6: 0.02: 0.045: 0.009: 0.82. proportion 2: Inulin: Anthocyanin: Calcium chloride: Zinc chloride: Magnesium chloride = 7: 0.05: 0.025: 0.01: 0.75. proportion 3: Inulin: Anthocyanin: Calcium chloride: Zinc chloride: Magnesium chloride = 8: 0.15: 0.020: 0.005: 0.60.

[0045] Each proportion has a corresponding control group, which contains only inulin and anthocyanin but no minerals. The unit is g (grams), and the amount of water added is 10mL (millilitre).

[0046] The components of each proportion are subjected to heating and stirring operations at a temperature of 60°C with a stirring speed of 500rpm and a stirring duration of 6min. Then, the mixture is loaded into a printing tube where it rests until gelation is completed.

[0047] The time required for the experimental group and the control group of each proportion from the completion of stirring by the magnetic stirrer to achieve the gelation state (specifically, the contents do not drip or fall down when the container is inverted) was recorded to evaluate the gelation speed of the two groups. The experimental results are shown in FIG. 1.

[0048] The results of FIG. 1 reveal an interesting phenomenon. When observed at 9 the same time point, it is clearly obversed that the samples of all the experimental groups formed gel structures earlier than their respective control groups (as shown in images A, B and C in FIG. 1). It can also be found that the gelation time of the experimental groups of each proportion is significantly shorter than that of their respective control groups when further analyzing the experimental data, and this difference is statistically significant (P<0.05), as shown in images D, E and F of FIG. 1. These results show that the addition of minerals can significantly improve the gelation speed of inulin. In particular, the sample of proportion 2 is shown to have a remarkable gelation speed, which only takes about 3 minutes to form the gel, whilst the corresponding control group takes about 15 minutes. Increasing gelation speed is critical for increasing production efficiency, as it can significantly shorten production cycle and reduce production costs. In addition, the faster the gelation speed, the greater the potential of the formula in industrial applications, because rapid gelation can improve the continuity and stability of the production process, thereby providing strong support for large-scale production. Embodiment 2 3D Printability of the proposed formula

[0049] Preparing the gel according to the proportions of the experimental groups and control groups of embodiment 1.

[0050] To further evaluate the 3D printing effect of each proportion, a columnar structure (height: 12mm, diameter: 15mm, filling density: 0%) is selected as the printing model, and 3D printing is performed with a nozzle diameter of 1mm, an extrusion output of 200%, a layer height of 0.5mm, a printing temperature of 25°C, and a printing speed of 15mm / s. Finally, the molding effect of the printed product is observed. The experimental results are shown in FIG. 2.

[0051] The experimental results in FIG. 2 suggest that the printed products prepared according to the experimental groups with different proportions have excellent characteristics in terms of shape retention and edge clarity. These printed io products show high stability during the molding process and can well maintain the predetermined shape and completeness in structure. In contrast, the printed products of the control group show obvious defects including partial collapse and incomplete structure, which cause difficulties for the printed products to maintain the desired shape. In view of this comparison result, it can be further confirmed that minerals play a positive role in enhancing the 3D printability of inulin gel. The addition of minerals significantly improves the formability of the gel and the quality of the printed products, such that the printed products have significant improvements in shape retention and edge clarity. This finding has important reference value and practical significance for the future in the field of 3D printing, especially in applications such as food printing and bioprinting. Embodiment 3 Effects of the minerals in the formula of the present disclosure on the gelation of inulin

[0052] Based on the experimental results of embodiment 1 and embodiment 2, proportion 2 having the fastest gelation speed is selected for further investigation of the effects of the three minerals on the gelation of inulin. The variants of proportion 2 without zinc, calcium or magnesium are prepared, and their gelation time are accurately measured according to the method of embodiment 1. The experimental results are shown in FIG. 3.

[0053] Image A in FIG. 3 specifically shows the states of different variants of proportion 2 in the gelation process at 0 minute, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes and 8 minutes. It can be clearly seen from the image that all the minerals promote the gelation speed of inulin to varying degrees, with magnesium being particularly significant. When the magnesium element is removed, it takes longer to observe the gelation phenomenon, about 8 minutes. In addition, the three minerals produce a synergistic effect when they work together, which further improves the gelation speed of inulin. This conclusion is further verified by the statistical data of the average gelation time shown in image B of FIG. 3. The ii results show that the proportion 2 has the shortest average gelation time, followed by the average gelation time of the variants of proportion 2 without calcium, zinc and magnesium, while the gelation time of the inulin of the control group without any minerals is the longest. These differences are statistically significant (P<0.05). Embodiment 4 The precision and water holding capacity of the printed products using the formula of the present disclosure

[0054] A cube (length: 15mm, width: 15mm, height: 15mm, filling density: 40%) is selected as the model to be printed, and the printing parameters are set as: nozzle diameter 0.84mm, extrusion output 150%, layer height 0.5mm, printing temperature 25°C, and printing speed 15mm / s. Subsequently, 3D printing of the experimental group and the control group, based on proportion 2 of the first embodiment, is performed. The actual dimensions in terms of length (X axis), width (Y axis) and height (Z axis) of the printed products of the two groups are measured. These measured values are compared with the desired dimensions set for the original model, then the fidelity of each dimension is calculated according to the following expression: fidelity = i (measured value desired value) | / desired value X 100%. Fidelity reflects the degree of deviation between the actual printing size and the desired size. The higher the fidelity, the more consistent the printed product is with the original model in appearance, in other words, the printing accuracy is higher.

[0055] As shown in image A of FIG. 4, the cube models printed by the material of the experimental group have high shape retention and edge clarity as well as good formability. However, the cube models printed by the control material were partially collapsed and incomplete in shape and structure, i.e., the control group has poor formability. The XYZ-axis fidelity comparison data (image B of FIG.4) shows that the XYZ-axis fidelity of the model printed by the material of the experimental group is significantly higher than that of the control group, which 12 was close to 100%, and the difference is statistically significant (P<0.05). The result suggests that the product printed by the material prepared according to the formula of the present disclosure can more accurately present the original size of the model, reduce dimensional deviation, and have higher printing accuracy.

[0056] Subsequently, the printed model is further scanned by MRI technology to evaluate the integrity and uniformity of its interior structure. In terms of integrity, the focus is whether pores are formed as expected and there are no unexpected breakages or defects. In terms of uniformity, the focus is whether pores inside the sample are distributed consistently to avoid over-concentration or sparse conditions. The MRI scan results (image D of FIG. 4) show that the interior of the product printed by the material prepared according to the formula of the present disclosure has uniform and regular structure and good integrity, which can further intuitively verify the fact that the material of the present disclosure has high printing formability and printing accuracy. In contrast, during the MRI scanning process, the control printed product collapses since the gel is too soft to maintain its shape. Moreover, the internal structure is greatly adhered together without regular pore structure.

[0057] After examining the printing accuracy, the water holding capacity of the products printed by the materials of the experimental group and the control group of proportion 2 is further evaluated. The cube is weighted immediately after printing and its initial weight is recorded. Subsequently, all products are placed under the same environmental conditions (room temperature 25°C and humidity 65%) for 24 hours, and then weighed again to record the weight of the products after 24 hours. The water loss rate per day of the finished product can be calculated according to the following equation (initial weight - weight after 24 hours) / initial weight X 100%. The water loss rate per day is an indicator that indirectly reflects the ability of the material to hold moisture over a period of time. The lower the water loss rate per day, the better the water holding capacity of the material, and the more effectively it can hold the internal moisture.

[0058] The results in image C of FIG. 4 show that compared with the control group, 13 the product printed by the formula of the present disclosure (experimental group) has a lower water loss rate after being placed for 24 hours, and the difference is statistically significant (P<0.05). This conclusion suggests that the water holding capacity has been improved, which helps in keeping the taste of the product. Embodiment 5 Color changeability of the material prepared according to the formula of the present disclosure

[0059] By carefully adjusting the pH value of the gel prepared according to proportion 2, the details of different color changes of the gel under different pH environments are carefully observed and recorded. This process helps to conduct an in-depth evaluation and analysis of the color-changeable performance of the formula of the present disclosure. Next, a five-pointed star model is printed to further verify whether the product printed according to a specific model can also show similar color changeability. As shown in image A and image B of FIG. 5, when the pH value is 4, the gel and its printed product both present a charming peach pink; when the pH value is adjusted to 6, the color changes to a light pink; and when the pH value reaches 11, the color changes to a pea green. The color changeability caused by pH changes not only promotes interest and attractiveness to the product, but also provides a broader scope and unlimited possibilities for the personalized design and diversified applications of the product. Color stability of the material prepared according to the formula of the present disclosure

[0060] To simulate an oxidizing atmosphere, 3% hydrogen peroxide is used. An experimental group containing only anthocyanin and minerals, and a control group with only anthocyanin, are observed. Absorbance at a wavelength of 520 nm is measured for both solutions when hydrogen peroxide is initially added and 30 minutes later using a microplate reader. The absorbance change rate at the two time points is calculated as (initial absorbance - absorbance at 30 minutes) / initial absorbance X 100%. The stability of anthocyanin in the formula of the present disclosure under an oxidizing atmosphere is evaluated in view of the absorbance change rate obtained.

[0061] According to the data in image D of FIG. 5, the absorbance change rate of the experimental group is appoximately half that of the control group, which is a significant difference (P<0.05). This result shows that under the strong oxidation of hydrogen peroxide, the anthocyanin in the experimental group has higher stability and is not easily degraded. This proves that the addition of minerals can indeed protect anthocyanin.

[0062] To further verify this finding, the printed products of the experimental group and the control group (both containing inulin) that have been placed for 4 days are immersed in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. After 5 minutes of immersion, the color changes of products are carefully observed and recorded. As shown in image C in FIG. 5, under the strong oxidizing effect of hydrogen peroxide, the printed products of the control group have obvious fading due to anthocyanin oxidation and decomposition. However, in the experimental group, the color fading of printed products is significantly slowed because minerals effectively protect anthocyanin. This suggests greater color stability in the experimental group and further supports the viewpoint that minerals have a protective effect on anthocyanin.

[0063] The above description merely includes preferred embodiment / embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present disclosure shall be considered as falling in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is,1. A color-changeable 3D printing material comprising an inulin composite, characterized in that the color-changeable 3D printing material comprises inulin, anthocyanins, a calcium salt, a magnesium salt, and a zinc salt, wherein the magnesium salt is one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium carbonate.

2. The color-changeable 3D printing material based on the inulin composite according to claim 1, characterized in that the calcium salt is one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, and calcium carbonate.

3. The color-changeable 3D printing material based on the inulin composite according to claim 1, characterized in that the zinc salt is one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, and zinc carbonate.

4. The color-changeable 3D printing material based on the inulin composite according to claim 1, characterized in that the color-changeable 3D printing material further comprises an edible pigment.

5. The color-changeable 3D printing material based on the inulin composite according to claim 4, characterized in that the edible pigment is one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of betalains, turmeric, lutein, and carotene.

6. The color-changeable 3D printing material based on an inulin composite according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the color-changeable 3D printing material comprises 5-8 parts of inulin, 0.02-0.3 parts of anthocyanin, 0.01-0.2 parts of calcium chloride, 0.002-0.02 parts of zinc chloride, and 0.05-1 parts of magnesium chloride.

7. A printing method using the color-changeable 3D printing material according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the printing method comprises the following steps:S1. mixing all the raw materials, adding water, and performing heating and stirring, wherein a stirring temperature is 50°C-90°C, a stirring rotation speed is 200rpm-600rpm, a stirring duration is 3min-8min, then placing a mixed material into a printing tube to rest for 2h-24h until a full gelation is completed;S2. setting printing parameters to perform 3D printing;wherein the quantity of the water added results in an inulin concentration of 0.5g / mL-0.8g / mL.

8. The printing method according to claim 7, characterized in that the printingparameters comprise a nozzle diameter 0.5mm-lmm, an extrusion output 100%-300%, a layer height 0.4mm-0.6mm, a nozzle temperature 10°C-45°C, and a nozzle moving speed 15mm / s-40mm / s.

Images