“We currently produce holders for face shields against corona infection via 3D printing and injection molding with biopolymers, reinforced with natural fibers,” says Hansjörg Wieland of the 3N Kompetenzzentrum Niedersachsen Netzwerk Nachwachsende Rohstoffe und Bioökonomie in Werlte (Germany). “These shields are distributed to rescue services, retirement homes and medical practices for free.”
Research into biopolymers is now focused on the development of natural fiber-reinforced biobased plastics that are biodegradable, for industrial applications in 3D printing and micro injection molding. Various Dutch and German companies and institutions are working together on this, supported by the Ems-Dollard Region (EDR). Promising results have now been achieved in both projects.
Read the full article in Agro & Chemistry.
Image: 3N
