Potential of polyhydroxyalkanoate and nanocellulose from oil palm trunk as raw materials for additive manufacturing: A review

• Published in: Polymer composites 2023-01, Vol.44 (1), p.8-22
• Main Authors: Jeffri, Noorfarisya Izma, M. R., Nurul Fazita, Leh, Cheu Peng, Hashim, Rokiah, M.K, Mohamad Haafiz, Ibrahim, Mazlan, Tay, Guan Seng, Arai, Takamitsu, Sudesh, Kumar, Kosugi, Akihiko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Additive manufacturing; Biocompatibility; Biopolymers; bio‐composite; Chemical properties; Crystallization; Fused deposition modeling; High temperature; Manufacturing; nanocellulose; polyhydroxyalkanoate; Polyhydroxyalkanoates; Prototyping; Raw materials; reinforcement; Sustainable development
• ISSN: 0272-8397; 1548-0569
• DOI: 10.1002/pc.27034

Additive manufacturing (AM) is beneficial due to its fast prototyping, non‐complexity process, flexibility, which allows for a wide range of innovations. The AM presented in this review concentrated solely on the fused deposition modeling method. The application of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer in conjunction with AM technology in accordance with the interest of researchers in practicing sustainable development. Most studies discovered that the features of PHA, such as its brittleness, slow crystallization, and small processing window, may be overcome by blending it with other polymers. In particular, the physical and chemical properties of PHA have a strong influence on its printability in three‐dimensional printing. Furthermore, this article discussed the use of nanocellulose as a reinforcing material in PHA blends due to its high‐surface area, lightweight, and excellent biocompatibility. The limitations in creating and applying PHA were also highlighted, as it was expensive and difficult to process at high temperatures. Overall, this article provided an overview of AM, including the potential of oil palm trunk as a source of PHA and nanocellulose for bio‐composite products. The use of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer reinforced with nanocellulose is consistent with the practice of sustainable development. Furthermore, the potential use of oil palm trunk as a source of PHA and nanocellulose for 3D printed bio‐composite broadens the scope of this review article.