Printability Assessment of Cellulose-Based Polymer Structures using Direct Ink Writing

In this paper, we demonstrate the preparation and printing of ethyl cellulose, a cellulose derivative, using a custom-modified direct ink writing (DIW) printer. Ethyl cellulose (EC) is widely used as a thin-film coating in controlled-release vitamins and medical pills as well as a thickener in the food, cosmetics, and other industries. It is, therefore, an attractive bio-mass derived polymer for 3D printing. Two types of ethyl cellulose, with different molecular weights (Mw), are dissolved in alpha-terpinol solvent to assess the feasibility of printing the polymer. In total, eleven different slurries are prepared at different solid weight percent. The stir time, stir temperature, and resting time are then varied. The results show that 10 wt. % ethyl cellulose slurry performs best for the initial printability assessment. Following printing, this slurry holds its shape, and shows uniform thickness in rectangular and snake patterns.