Material aspects during additive manufacturing of nano-cellulose composites

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing technologies allow the customized fabrication of materials with high precision and resolution. 3D printing technology is rapidly growing. Typically thermoplastics are extensively used for 3D printing. Severe environmental impacts caused by AM feed stocks resulted in search for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Cellulose have been widely reviewed in terms of printability, mechanical properties, structure etc. It is considered as the most advantageous renewable source. Nanocellulose, especially cellulose nanofibril (CNF) is an ideal material for forming hydrogel with suitable viscoelastic properties in 3D printing. Bioprinting or 3D printing using cells provide a versatile methodology to fabricate cell-laden tissue-like constructs for tissue engineering. In this chapter, particular emphasis have been given on the material properties of cellulose.