IISc to help transform littered plastic into consumer products
- An upcycling technique developed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is set to supplement 3D printing technology in transforming littered plastic into consumer products, including furniture.
- VOiLA3D, a deep tech company working with large-scale robotic 3D printing technology, has collaborated with an IISc research team on the process that also promises to offset challenges involved in 3D printing with recycled plastic.
- Team have developed an upcycling process to convert post-consumer recycled (PCR) acrylonitrile-butadiene- styrene (ABS) copolymer — or PCR ABS plastic — into ABS Vitrimer, a tougher version of the disposed of source plastic.
- 3D printing with recycled polymers has been gaining industry acceptance for its potential to overcome some of the material consistency issues associated with conventionally recycled products.
- VOiLA3D established its large-scale robotic FGF (Fused Granulate Fabrication) 3D printing facility in Bengaluru. The company uses polypropylene — widely used in bottles, jars, and other forms of food packaging and one of the most littered forms of thermoplastic — to 3D-print the products that include park and playschool benches, cafeteria stools, and planters. The IISc team employed a technique similar to its PCR ABS upcycling process, to make the plastic print-ready.
