16 April 2024 | Chrysanthos Maraveas, Ioannis Vasileios Kyrtopoulos, Konstantinos G. Arvanitis
The paper evaluates the viability of using 3D printing for recycling polymers, particularly in the context of agricultural plastics. The authors conducted a systematic review of 39 studies to assess the methods, benefits, and limitations of 3D printing in recycling plastics. Key findings include:
1. **Application of 3D Printing Methods**: Fused Particle Fabrication (FPF), Hot Melt Extrusion (HME), and Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) were used to create filaments from plastics, with applications in local recycling setups.
2. **Properties of Recycled Plastics**: Recycled plastics such as Polylactic Acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) exhibited properties comparable to virgin plastics, suggesting the viability of 3D printing in managing plastic pollution.
3. **Limitations**: 3D-printed plastics deteriorate rapidly under UV light and are non-biodegradable, posing risks of further pollution. UV stabilization can help reduce deterioration and increase longevity.
4. **Future Directions**: Research should focus on reducing the deterioration of 3D-printed agricultural plastics and enhancing their longevity, including UV stability.
The study highlights the potential of 3D printing in recycling plastics, particularly in the context of agricultural applications, while also identifying the need for addressing the limitations and challenges associated with the process.The paper evaluates the viability of using 3D printing for recycling polymers, particularly in the context of agricultural plastics. The authors conducted a systematic review of 39 studies to assess the methods, benefits, and limitations of 3D printing in recycling plastics. Key findings include:
1. **Application of 3D Printing Methods**: Fused Particle Fabrication (FPF), Hot Melt Extrusion (HME), and Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) were used to create filaments from plastics, with applications in local recycling setups.
2. **Properties of Recycled Plastics**: Recycled plastics such as Polylactic Acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) exhibited properties comparable to virgin plastics, suggesting the viability of 3D printing in managing plastic pollution.
3. **Limitations**: 3D-printed plastics deteriorate rapidly under UV light and are non-biodegradable, posing risks of further pollution. UV stabilization can help reduce deterioration and increase longevity.
4. **Future Directions**: Research should focus on reducing the deterioration of 3D-printed agricultural plastics and enhancing their longevity, including UV stability.
The study highlights the potential of 3D printing in recycling plastics, particularly in the context of agricultural applications, while also identifying the need for addressing the limitations and challenges associated with the process.