ABSTRACT
Our research team (University of Idaho and Auburn University, United States) is exploring the opportunities afforded by a wood composite sourced from local sawmills bound with a commercially available resin that can be cast and 3D printed into several shapes. We are developing two parallel structural application categories: (1) alow-tech stackable unit that is com-pressed and cured allowing log building and masonry techniques for construction where logs are conceived to be easily cut or sawed for customized needs and secured using conventional screw-ing or nailing methods (other bonding techniques are considered); and (2) 3D printed structural walls using thermosetting materials so these can be “cold-printed” (no heat required). Both ap-proaches prioritize methods to minimize the amount of energy used. Further iterations are ex-plored using plant-based bio resin alternatives, different wood-to-resin ratios, reinforcing fibers from plants to further enhance the properties of these composites, and enhanced 3D printing ca-pabilities.
