A support material is typically required to successfully build a part using additive manufacturing (AM) processes. This work is aimed at finding a support material suitable for AM processes which utilise inkjet (i.e. jetting) technology for part building. Methylcellulose (MC), was investigated because of its ability to form gels in aqueous solutions. Characterization of novel MC compositions in the non-aqueous solvent propylene glycol were performed using different experimental techniques such as heating and cooling between 25 to 150°C, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, polarization microscopy, viscosity and surface tension measurements and the possibility of using these compositions as a support material is discussed. The results suggested that MC in propylene glycol dissolves upon heating and forms a solid/strong gel during cooling. These solids/gels, due to their low viscosities at high temperature, can act as support materials in jetting based AM processes. Their low melting allows ease of removal from the part. Also they can be reused for more than one build, enabling better sustainability.
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