Design and Evaluation of Wood-Resin Composites and System Interfaces for Sustainable Additive Manufacturing
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Michael Maughan, University of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Concrete manufacturing contributes approximately 8% of the global CO2 emissions while consuming massive amounts of energy, causing people to search for sustainable alternatives. Environmentally friendly materials, such as wood flour and resin mixtures, could be an alternative to current construction materials but require further research to assess viability and applications. This research investigates wood flour and resin combinations to be used as a feedstock in additive manufacturing processes. Pumping systems were developed and characterized in order to feed these materials. Multiple specimens were created by mixing different ratios of wood flour to resin and tested for their ability to be printed. These specimens were left to cure then their strength was tested. The pumping systems were shown to provide acceptable flow and rate for these viscous resins.
Design and Evaluation of Wood-Resin Composites and System Interfaces for Sustainable Additive Manufacturing
Concrete manufacturing contributes approximately 8% of the global CO2 emissions while consuming massive amounts of energy, causing people to search for sustainable alternatives. Environmentally friendly materials, such as wood flour and resin mixtures, could be an alternative to current construction materials but require further research to assess viability and applications. This research investigates wood flour and resin combinations to be used as a feedstock in additive manufacturing processes. Pumping systems were developed and characterized in order to feed these materials. Multiple specimens were created by mixing different ratios of wood flour to resin and tested for their ability to be printed. These specimens were left to cure then their strength was tested. The pumping systems were shown to provide acceptable flow and rate for these viscous resins.