Development of jute granule and filament based on jute sticks (waste) for mold injection and 3DP
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Juteborg Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | November 2023 - August 2024 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme SIP LIGHTer |
| Call | LIGHTer small business 2023 |
Important results from the project
In 2023, Juteborg Sweden AB took the initiative for the project "Development of jute granules and filaments based on jute sticks for injection molding and 3D printing". The project has produced a jute powder-based granulate for injection molding and 3D printing. The material with up to 50% jute powder is very light (1g/cm3) and a more sustainable alternative to e.g. plastic and talc. Högskolan Borås had the academic/research role, while Volvo CE and Ecoist had the role as end customers. Juteborg was project manager and had the role as potential supplier of Jute-powder-granule.
Expected long term effects
The project has produced both jute stick powder granules and filaments for injection molding and 3D printing. The granules contain 0% (reference), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% jute powder, and have then been injection molded and analyzed. The result is very promising and the analysis shows that it is possible to reduce the amount of plastic and talc by up to at least 50%. The material is very light, approx. 0.95 g/cm3, and also has a certain reinforcing effect. The filament needs more R&D for an approved results. Further results are new knowledge and two scientific articles, not yet published.
Approach and implementation
Juteborg initiated the project idea, was project manager and procured jute sticks from Bangladesh. Volvo CE and Ecoist represented customers and specified the functional requirements, as well as participated in analysis and evaluation. Högskolan Borås produced several different fractions of granules and filaments and systematically performed a number of tests and analyses, on both injection molded and 3D printed rods (small "dog bones"). Afterwards, a PoC were 3D-printed for Volvo CE, as well as some test models, based on the granulate. The filament was not good enough to 3D-Print.