Techno-economic and life cycle assessment of lignin-based blended resin for 3D printing
Jayendra P. Ahire, Richard Bergman, Troy Runge, Stephen C. Chmely
Abstract
As CO 2 emissions reach record highs, finding renewable, low-cost, and low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuel-based products is critical. This study examines the techno-economic and life cycle assessment (TEA-LCA) of lignin-based blended resin for 3D printing, investigating lignin, a renewable and affordable resource, as an alternative to petroleum-derived resins. Kraft lignin was fractionated into a low molecular weight fraction and combined with commercial resin in a 9:1 ratio or 10 % by weight. TEA estimated the production cost of the resin at $38.43/kg with a minimum selling price of $38.85/kg for a 10 MT/batch plant. LCA results revealed a global warming impact of 6.64 kg CO 2 eq/kg of resin, with highest emissions coming from the commercial epoxy resin. Utilizing higher percentages of lignin instead of the commercial resin could substantially lower both production costs and environmental impacts, providing a more sustainable option for 3D printing. • Evaluated lignin-based resin for 3D printing, showing promise as a sustainable alternative. • Techno-economic analysis estimated resin production cost at $38.43/kg for a 10 MT/batch plant. • Life cycle assessment revealed a global warming impact of 6.64 kg CO₂ eq/kg of resin. • Increasing lignin content in the resin blend could reduce both costs and environmental impacts. • The study supports lignin-based resins as a feasible option for sustainable 3D printing production.