Title : A Cellulose-based biodegradable Ink for 3D printing
Abstract:
The majority of dentists use Gypsum for treatment planning, prosthesis design, and manufacture. When the treatment is finished, the models and prototypes are rendered useless and are discarded as gypsum and plastic waste. As a result, a biodegradable material capable of being utilized in the manufacturing of such models is required. Despite the fact that quickly expanding 3D printing technology may alleviate the accuracy problem of the produced models, researchers have yet to overcome the non-biodegradability issue. The proposed research would address this issue by developing an indigenous 3D printer that would use a new Cellulose-gum matrix ink. This research not only helps to reduce the use of thermoplastic materials, but it also opens up a new area of sustainable manufacturing of models for non-functional prototypes, such as surgical planning, stent building, and prototype demonstrations. The device and ink manufacture will provide end customers with a biodegradable and low-cost material. It will improve their workflow and provide immediate model production, minimizing model production delays and reliance on laboratories. Images from intraoral scans and CT scans would be utilized to generate STL files for manufacturing 3D dental models that may be composted after usage, reducing environmental impact.
