Protective gloves, such as those used for work, sport or gardening in the home, are given their protective function by a special coating. Using innovative technologies, researchers at the German Institutes of Textile and Fibre Research Denkendorf (DITF) have succeeded in developing a robust yet flexible glove coating made from environmentally friendly lignin using a 3D printing process.
The aim of the research project was to improve conventional protective materials and at the same time offer more sustainable alternatives. Lignin, a natural biopolymer found in plant cells and produced in large quantities as a by-product of paper production, proved to be a promising substitute for synthetic coatings. Lignin is hydrophobic, which makes it insoluble in water and particularly resistant to wear and tear, while at the same time being more biodegradable than conventional materials.
A major advantage of lignin is that abrasion particles that are released during use are biodegraded more quickly than those of conventional coatings due to the higher surface-to-volume ratio. This means that lignin not only offers the necessary durability for everyday use, but also helps to reduce environmental pollution.
The use of 3D printing enables the researchers to apply the coating precisely and efficiently. The gloves can also be customised to the individual needs of the wearer, which improves comfort and freedom of movement. This flexibility in production makes 3D printing an ideal technology for customised protective solutions.
The research project shows that the use of lignin not only offers ecological benefits, but also works well in practice. Protective gloves with a lignin coating are hard-wearing, fulfil safety standards and at the same time contribute to sustainability in everyday working life.
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