Scientists at the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung - DITF) have developed a robust yet flexible glove coating using environmentally friendly lignin in a 3D printing process.
- The research project shows that the use of lignin not only offers ecological benefits, but that protective gloves coated with it are also particularly durable and resistant. They meet safety standards and at the same time contribute to sustainability in the world of work.
- The biopolymer lignin is a natural component of plant cells that is produced in large quantities as a by-product of paper manufacturing. Due to its properties, it represents an environmentally friendly alternative to oil-based coating polymers.
- The scientists developed biopolymer compounds containing lignin, which were used to produce thermoplastic materials that can be processed using 3D printing.
- The use of 3D printing makes it possible to produce the coating precisely and efficiently.
- The 3D printing process also makes it possible to adapt the glove to the individual needs of the wearer. This increases wearer comfort and promotes freedom of movement.
SLOW BIODEGRADATION: Lignin has few polar groups, which makes lignins hydrophobic and therefore insoluble in water.
- For this reason, they biodegrade slowly. This makes them particularly suitable for durable coating materials.
- Despite this durability, lignin particles that are released into the environment through abrasion biodegrade faster than the abrasion of conventional coatings. This is due to the much higher surface/volume ratio.
THE CONTEXT: Coated protective gloves are subject to mechanical stress and always suffer from a certain degree of abrasion that is dispersed in the surrounding area.
- In order to avoid long-term pollution of the environment, materials should be used whose abrasion particles are biodegradable.
- The aim of this research project was to improve conventional protective equipment and integrate more sustainable materials.
