Citation:
 | 2020-fabricate.pdf | 1.23 MB |
Abstract:
The aim of this research work is to create a general purpose manufacturing technology considering foremost its sustainability characteristics. Our approach is bio-inspired in that we attempt to replicate some of the principles of natural synthesis, characterised by exclusive use of locally available resources, utilising material ingredients which are often insignificant by themselves, performing assembly of complex hierarchical structures in low-energy environments and producing artefacts integrally embedded within their ecological cycles.
We implement those principles with the development of a new family of biocomposites combining cellulose and chitin, the first and second most abundant biopolymers on earth,
and assembling spatial artefacts by selective deposition of materials through additive manufacturing at room temperature. The technology developed can produce large-scale objects at low-cost that are fully bio-sourced and biodegradable. Applications investigated within the building industry range from: interiors such as furniture and fittings; to construction such as insulated panels, pre-finished building members and recyclable moulds; even to restoration of timber elements and ornamentations in heritage buildings.