Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.13044/j.sdewes.d14.0725
Investigation of Process Feasibility and Mechanical Performance of Prosopis Juliflora Biobased Residue Materials for Additive Manufacturing
Mihreteab Kidanemariam Gebregewergs
orcid.org/0009-0008-8561-7152
; Raya University, Maichew, Ethiopia
James Wamai Mwangi
; JKUAT, Nairobi, Kenya
Kabini Karanja
orcid.org/0000-0002-6582-2131
; JKUAT, Nairobi, Kenya
Monnamme Tlotleng
orcid.org/0000-0003-2548-2598
; MINTEK, Johannesburg, South Africa
Abstract
Biobased residues from agriculturee and invasive plants can be used as cost-effective, sustainable alternative materials for additive manufacturing. This study investigates the feasibility of using Prosopis juliflora, an invasive and abundant species, as a feedstock for binder jetting and paste extrusion three-dimensional printing. Powders derived from Prosopis juliflora leaf, stem, and pod residues were characterised, and carboxymethyl cellulose was used as a binder in different formulations. Leaf and stem powders exhibited suitable powder properties, with stable powder-bed formation during binder jetting. In contrast, pods were sticky and tended to agglomerate, limiting their use in this process. Paste extrusion manufactured stable components for all fractions except at high binder ratios for pod-based materials. Mechanical testing showed maximum compressive strengths of 6.74 MPa, 10.17 MPa, and 4.64 MPa, and flexural strengths of 4.94 MPa, 13.45 MPa, and 9.44 MPa for leaf, stem, and pod samples, respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential of Prosopis juliflora residues as sustainable materials for additive manufacturing applications.
Keywords
P. juliflora; Biobased material; Feasibility; Mechanical performance; Additive manufacturing.
Hrčak ID:
351034
URI
Publication date:
20.9.2026.
Visits: 0 *