Feasibility study - Investigating the use of seaweed products for improving the 3d printing quality of manufactured parts

Seaweed is an abundant, fast-growing marine crop that requires no fertiliser, freshwater, or arable land. Its potential as a sustainable industrial feedstock remains largely untapped. This feasibility study explores whether materials extracted from seaweeds can be used to improve the quality and stability of parts produced by **3D printing**.

During the extrusion process, molten plastics such as **Nylon 6** cool and crystallise. As the crystals form, they occupy less volume than the liquid polymer, generating internal stresses that can cause printed parts to **warp or distort**. The project investigates whether specific compounds derived from seaweed can help to **control this crystallisation process**, reducing distortion and improving the dimensional accuracy of printed components.

In addition to the technical work, the project will produce a **Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)**---a cradle-to-grave evaluation of the environmental benefits of using seaweed-based additives compared with conventional materials. By combining sustainable marine resources with advanced manufacturing, this study supports the UK's move toward **low-carbon, circular material systems** for industrial 3D printing and engineering applications.