Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

This project seeks support for the acquisition of a Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Technology based three-dimensional (3D) Printer, which is a demanding technology and fundamental research tool for new eco-friendly polymers and biobased materials research at the University of Guelph. The main goal of the proposed equipment is to print complex shaped bioplastic products from sustainable biomass materials and to understand the fundamental properties and performance of the printed products in order to check their viability in various applications such as biomedical, electronics, packaging and automotive, which can open up new doors to create novel materials. This powder-based additive manufacturing is a one step processing technique used to manufacture complex shaped products without compromising the analytical properties such as molecular weight and thermal degradation of the materials, which is not at all possible in two step processing techniques like filament-based 3D printing or other conventional injection moulding. In the requested powder-based 3D printer, the polymer powder is heated below its melting point and the laser will help to draw the shape of the desired products. In such case, the remaining powder can be reused further to produce more specimens without altering the properties. The equipment will provide opportunities for over 30 graduate students, undergraduate students, and post-doctoral researchers working in the area of biopolymers and biomaterials. However, the broader synergistic impact of this instrument will be realized by its use for interdisciplinary research, HQP (highly qualified personnel) training, training of summer interns, and encouragement of new users. For the Canadian economy to be competitive globally, the opportunities in new eco-friendly materials need to be explored that can reduce reliance on petro-chemicals and would provide a strong foundation in renewable resource-based materials for creating a greener manufacturing sector. This project is uniquely targeted to understand the properties and performance of the printed sustainable biopolymers and biocomposites. Overall, the proposed 3D printer will tremendously aid researchers in finding solutions through new discoveries and innovations in biomaterials for societal uses.