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Modification of lignin extracted from equine manure for the design of materials dedicated to 3D additive manufacturing

The MoLiMat3D project aims to design materials that meet the requirements of the railway industry by 3D printing from modified lignins, previously extracted from horse manure. Equine manure will initially be subjected to a fractionation strategy generating on the one hand a valuable lignin fraction and on the other hand a polysaccharide-enriched fraction intended for methanization, thus increasing the methanogenic power of this biomass. The lignin will then be modified catalytically in order to access the thermomechanical properties required for the formulation of granules. These formulations will be implemented in innovative reactive extrusion processes directly integrated into 3D printing. This project is part of the themes of S3 (Circular Economy/ Biorefineries) and Hub 2 of the I-SITE. The project’s spin-offs will make it possible to create a new technological lignin valorization sector while improving the competitiveness of anaerobic digestion. This will contribute to the scientific influence and industrial innovation of the HdF region through the use of eco-processes in a circular bioeconomy context. The results obtained will be patented and/or published in international journals due to their high industrial potential and academic interest. The potential for patenting will be determined in consultation with 4D Pioneers with support from CNRS and SATT-Nord if necessary. International publications of rank A are envisaged in the different areas of innovation of the project. Participation in international congresses is also. Communication can also be oriented towards the 3D printing industry, notably via the business services department of the ICAM or using competitive poles such as Euramaterials, Team 2, B4C whose links are constant with academic partners. Since the themes and applications around the project are of general interest and easily accessible, communications to the public will also be carried out for a broader impact (creation of a website, science days, scientific magazines, ...).