Cellulosic Materials from Cigarette Butts for Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

Abstract In this work we describe the recovery of cellulose acetate (r-CA) polymer from waste cigarette butts (CBs) and subsequent conversion into feedstock for 3D printing technology. The extraction process for CBs includes two stages: initial washes in water, followed by additional washes in ethanol. A final step involves a dissolution and reprecipitation process, resulting in the creation of a fine powder. The recovery polymer has been analysed and compared to commercial cellulose acetate (p-CA) and unsmoked cigarette filter (u-CA) to assess its purity and examine alterations in its physicochemical properties. The CA powder has been also plasticized with different biocompatible plasticizers to improve the CA mechanical properties. We analysed the rheological properties to identify the suitable composition as feedstock for 3D printing.