3D Printing and Biodegradable Polymers

Abstract 3D printing technology has a wide range of applications in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, biomedical, electronics and packaging, requiring different types of filaments to be used in producing 3D printed objects. The most commonly used materials are metals, ceramics, composites and plastics of which the latter are most available. Since it is necessary to reduce pollution caused by waste from conventional petroleum-based plastics, biodegradable polymers made from renewable resources or produced synthetically have gained in importance recently. Polylactic acid, poly(butylene succinate), thermoplastic starch, poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) and polycaprolactone are well-known representatives of this group of materials. They possess desirable properties for 3D printing which make them promising materials in many areas of applications.