In this work the use of a tung oil-based resin as a binder for binder jet 3D printing is investigated, exploring the potential for an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic binders. The resin formulation was prepared by combining tung oil, n-butyl methacrylate, divinylbenzene, and di-tert butyl peroxide in precise proportions. 13 different sands were evaluated as the printing material.
Compression tests and ultrasonic analysis were used to analyze mechanical properties and determine the integrity of the materials. With peak compressive strengths of 7.2 MPa, the resin showed excellent adherence. After 225 minutes of heating the resin, the optimal range of 10–14 cP for the viscosity was achieved, and storage trials demonstrated improved stability in a freezer.
This research establishes that tung oil-based resin is promising for binder jet 3D printing applications. Its ability to form composites with different sands, along with sustainability and optimization, develops solutions for additive manufacturing.
