This master thesis project, developed at IAAC by Ilaena Mariam Napier, aims to develop additive manufacturing of kelp as a biocomposite material. The research is motivated by current issues of global warming, material waste, and the need to create more sustainable manufacturing processes. The approach of the research looks at the development of a water-based biocomposite material made from sodium alginate. A set of experiments were conducted, with the aim of creating a bioplastic material with properties based on strength, translucency and flexibility. The shrinkage due to water content as well as viscosity of the material steered the progression of the research towards an additive manufacturing process that can be scaled. By fabricating using renewable polymers, one is able to design products that would not contribute to carbon emissions but have the ability to create a natural resource cycle. The material can decay and return to the earth, for the purpose of remediating soils and fueling new growth.
