Production of a new composite material with stereolithography technology using wood mixed resin

This thesis investigates the production of a novel composite material using wood-mixed resin through stereolithography (SLA) technology. Wood-resin composites, formed by combining natural and renewable wood particles with polymer-based resins, offer an environmentally friendly and sustainable material solution. SLA technology, known for its high precision and detail, enables the fabrication of these composites in complex geometrical forms. The primary objective of this study is to optimize the production processes of wood-resin composite materials and evaluate their mechanical, physical, and thermal properties. To this end, the study explores various wood particle sizes and proportions, different types of resins, and the optimization of SLA printing parameters. Comprehensive analyses of the produced composites were conducted. The study comprises four main stages: material preparation, SLA fabrication process, mechanical and physical testing, and environmental and economic assessment. In the first stage, different wood species were selected, particle sizes were determined, and the particles were mixed with resin. In the second stage, prototype parts were fabricated by optimizing SLA printer parameters. The third stage involved mechanical testing of the composite materials, followed by environmental and economic sustainability evaluations in the final stage. The findings indicate that the mechanical and physical properties of the wood-resin composites vary depending on the size and distribution of the wood particles. Smaller and more uniformly distributed particles enhanced tensile and compressive strength, as well as surface quality. Environmental assessments revealed that the wood-resin composites possess a low carbon footprint, while economic analyses indicated that these materials can be competitive in industrial applications if production costs are optimized. This thesis demonstrates the feasibility of producing a novel composite material using SLA technology and wood-mixed resin, highlighting its potential for various industrial applications. The results show that the mechanical and physical properties of wood-resin composites can be optimized and that these materials are environmentally and economically sustainable. Recommendations for future research include a more detailed examination of different wood species and resin formulations, testing the scalability of production processes, and evaluating the performance of these composites in diverse industrial sectors. This study makes significant contributions to the fields of materials science, polymer engineering, and 3D printing technologies. The detailed examination of wood-resin composite properties provides a solid foundation for future research and promotes the industrial adoption of eco-friendly, sustainable materials. Keywords: Stereolithography (SLA), Wood-Resin Composite, Composite Material, Sustainability, Eco-friendly