Enhancing 3D Printing Materials with Biochar: A Literature Review

This literature review explores the integration of biochar in 3D printing materials, highlighting the enhancements in mechanical and thermochemical properties that biochar composites can offer. Biochar, a byproduct of the thermochemical conversion of biomass, is characterized for its superior porosity, large specific surface area, and carbon richness, making it an ideal additive in sustainable manufacturing practices. This review highlights the potential of biochar-enhanced materials in multiple 3D printing applications, including polymers, metals, ceramics, and fibers. It emphasizes biochar's role in improving the functionality, resilience, and performance of 3D printed parts, while also contributing to environmental sustainability. The challenges are also underlined with the uniform dispersion of biochar within composite materials and the need for specialized printing technologies are also addressed. Overall, integrating biochar into 3D printing materials is nothing but a promising avenue for advancing additive manufacturing technologies while adhering to ecological and performance standards.