Title: Engineering Microporous Structures in 3D Printed Corn-Based Composites Through Thermomechanical Treatment

Authors: Md Nurul Islam, Yijie Jiang

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.24.0081

Abstract: This study presents a simple and eco-friendly method to produce biocomposites with customizable porosities using corn-based materials. By utilizing the gelatinization process of amylopectin, the major constituent of corn starch, we developed a gel-like material suitable for 3D printing. Key findings emphasize the direct link between gelatinization conditions, materials rheology change, 3D printability, and resulting porosities in composite microstructures, offering a mechanism for achieving customizable porosity. Microstructural analysis reveals that lower preheating temperatures (80°C) resulted in defects in composite microstructure, while higher temperatures (120°C) produced porous microstructures with varying pore sizes. Furthermore, longer preheating times at 120°C reduced defects significantly and introduced micropores with controllable size. The tunable porous nature arises from hydrogen bond formation among amylopectin molecules and the fiber-matrix interface, directly influenced by gelatinization conditions. Such programable porosity of the corn-based bio composite offers exciting applications in diverse fields, such as bone scaffolding and drug delivery.

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Conference: SAMPE 2024

Publication Date: 2024/05/20

SKU: TP24-0000000081

Pages: 10

Price: $20.00