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Assessing the Performance of 3D Printed Substrate Using PLA Based Wood Bio-Composites for Green Walls

Shaub, Madeline
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1709124809521546

Abstract Details

2024, MS, Kent State University, College of Architecture and Environmental Design.
As urban populations continue to grow, so does the need to address local issues such as food security and accessibility. Green walls, particularly those used in Vertical Farming (VF) practices, are of interest due to their potential for abundance in the urban environment and ability to provide secondary benefits relating to equity and community engagement. Coupled with recent advancements made in 3D printing technology and the advent of bio-composite filaments, this study aims to utilize 3D printing to establish a baseline for cultivating food crops in PLA based wood bio-composite substrates. This research uses an experimental approach to assess the germination and growth of arugula microgreens (Eruca vesicaria) in three, commercially available filament types from two different manufacturers: 100% pure PLA (polylactic acid), PLA with 11% wood powder, and PLA with 30% wood powder. After determining an optimal substrate design utilizing a gyroid infill pattern, three successive growth trials were conducted to test the following variables: growth in a vertical orientation, varied density of the 3D printed substrate, and increased panel scale with and without fertigation. The results of the plant germination trials showed that while all filament types could support microgreen growth, those with wood fillers had higher rates of germination and biomass production. Though the amount of harvestable yield was not found to be statistically different between filament types or fertigation treatment, the increased production of biomass found in wood bio-composite filaments suggest they are able to facilitate shorter plant establishment periods and encourage root growth. Additionally, moisture readings taken during the third trial suggest that the percentage of wood infill within a filament is directly correlated to the substrate’s ability to retain moisture. The study also explored larger architectural applications including the design of a modular wall assembly using 3D printed panels. Given the increased accessibility of 3D printing via institutions such as public libraries, makerspaces, and third-party printing companies, this study suggests that individuals and local communities alike can use this technology to fabricate novel food cultivation systems.
Reid Coffman (Advisor)
Nick Safley (Committee Member)
Rui Liu (Committee Member)
153 p.
Agriculture; Architecture
Green walls; Vertical farming; Urban agriculture; Food security; Human health and wellbeing; 3D printing; Bio-composites; Wood plastic composites

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Shaub, M. (2024). Assessing the Performance of 3D Printed Substrate Using PLA Based Wood Bio-Composites for Green Walls [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1709124809521546

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Shaub, Madeline. Assessing the Performance of 3D Printed Substrate Using PLA Based Wood Bio-Composites for Green Walls. 2024. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1709124809521546.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Shaub, Madeline. "Assessing the Performance of 3D Printed Substrate Using PLA Based Wood Bio-Composites for Green Walls." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1709124809521546

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1709124809521546
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© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.