Protein-Based 3D Printing Support Filament for Biodegradable Sacrificial Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing support materials derived from fossil resources are not biodegradable and require specific conditions for dissolution, making them unsuitable for domestic use and wastewater treatment, and lack the necessary mechanical properties and solubility in water.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a protein without enzymatic activity, a plasticizer, and water, with optional enzymes and fillers, designed for rapid dissolution in domestic conditions, forming a biodegradable and mechanically suitable filament for 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional support materials (polyvinyl alcohol, high-impact polystyrene, butanediol/vinyl alcohol copolymer) are used, then mechanical strength and structural stability are improved, but biodegradability and ease of dissolution in domestic water conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the support material by using proteins (casein, gelatin, albumin) instead of traditional polymers. This fundamental material substitution enables biodegradability while maintaining mechanical strength through the natural structural properties of proteins, resolving the contradiction between strength and environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite support material formulation combining proteins with specific additives and enzymes. This composite approach enhances both the mechanical properties needed for 3D printing support and the biodegradability for domestic dissolution, eliminating the need to choose between these opposing requirements.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If proteins are used as support material, then biodegradability and rapid dissolution in domestic water are improved, but mechanical properties and structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a composite material system where proteins serve as the base matrix and are combined with specific plasticizers, crosslinking agents, and enzymes. This composite formulation enhances the mechanical strength and structural stability of the protein-based support material while preserving its biodegradability and rapid dissolution capability in domestic water conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the physical and chemical parameters of proteins through controlled processing, pH adjustment, and enzymatic treatment. These parameter changes optimize both the mechanical properties for structural support and the solubility characteristics for rapid domestic dissolution, resolving the contradiction between strength and biodegradability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional support materials are used, then structural stability during printing is improved, but dissolution time and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pH-dependent parameter changes in protein structures to achieve rapid dissolution. By adjusting the pH of domestic water (using vinegar or baking powder), the protein support material undergoes conformational changes that accelerate its dissolution, reducing dissolution time while maintaining structural stability during the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates enzymes in the support material formulation that enable self-dissolution in domestic water conditions. The enzymes catalyze the breakdown of protein structures, allowing the support material to dissolve rapidly without requiring external intervention or specialized dissolution conditions, thus reducing time loss.
4Strength
If fossil resource-based support materials are used, then mechanical strength and processability are improved, but environmental friendliness and biodegradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the source material parameter from fossil-based polymers to bio-based proteins. This source substitution maintains the mechanical strength and processability requirements for 3D printing support while eliminating environmental harm and improving biodegradability, as proteins are naturally decomposable organic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adopts a disposable support material approach using proteins that can be safely discarded in domestic wastewater. The protein-based support material is designed for single use during printing and then rapidly dissolves in domestic water, eliminating the need for special disposal procedures and reducing environmental impact compared to persistent fossil-based polymers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables rapid and efficient dissolution in household water conditions, improving mechanical properties and biodegradability, making it suitable for domestic use and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
Such materials exhibit rapid dissolution or dispersibility in water
Implementation Method 2
A composition comprising a protein without enzymatic activity, a plasticizer, and water
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of natural polymers of the family of the proteins not exhibiting enzymatic activity as sacrificial materials of 3D fused deposition modeling.