Gum Arabic as a Binder for Paste Extrusion Additive Manufacturing Using Rice Husks

Beinomugisha Vian; Samuel Kabini Karanja; James Wamai Mwangi; Leif Bretschneider

doi:10.48084/etasr.17432

Authors

Beinomugisha Vian Department of Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering, Pan African University of Basic Science, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI), Juja, Kenya
Samuel Kabini Karanja Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
James Wamai Mwangi Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
Leif Bretschneider Institute of Machine Elements, Engineering Design and Manufacturing (IMKF), Technische Universitat Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany

Volume: 16 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 36707-36715 | June 2026 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.17432

Received: 9 January 2026 | Revised: 11 February 2026 and 24 April 2026 | Accepted: 30 April 2026 | Online: 19 May 2026

Corresponding author: Beinomugisha Vian

Abstract

This study evaluates Gum Arabic (GA) powder as a biodegradable binder for rice-husk-based composites fabricated using Material Extrusion with Chemical Reaction Bonding (MEX-CRB). The MEX-CRB technique deposits visco-plastic or bio-based pastes in sequential layers through a nozzle, directed by G-codes derived from STL files. This method enables the processing of materials beyond traditional polymer-based systems and applies to ceramics, biomedical scaffolds, construction, and sustainable manufacturing. MEX-CRB still primarily employs synthetic binders, raising sustainability concerns; therefore, this study investigates GA as an environmentally responsible alternative. The effects of particle size, binder ratio, flowability, rheological properties, drying conditions, and printing parameters on printability and mechanical performance were systematically examined. GA showed a higher tap density (0.87 ± 0.01 g/cm³) than rice husks (0.50 ± 0.25 g/cm³), indicating a more compact structure. Printing tests indicated that pastes with particle sizes of 90–125 µm achieved optimal extrusion, characterized by continuous filament deposition, minimal nozzle clogging, and stable geometry at 60 mm³/s. Extrusion energy decreased as binder content increased, reflecting improved material flow. These properties enabled smooth extrusion and effective shape retention following deposition. Printing experiments confirmed that both GA and rice husk particles within the 0 < d < 250 µm range were printable, with the 125 µm < d < 250 µm fraction yielding the most consistent results at flow rates of 40 –72 mm³/s and drying at 45–55 °C for 24 h. Printing experiments confirmed that both GA and rice husk particles within the 0 < d < 250 µm range were printable using a 4 mm diameter Nozzle, with the 125 µm < d < 250 µm exhibited the highest flexural (8.29 ± 0.96 MPa) and compressive strengths (5.05 ± 1.56 MPa) due to effective load transfer and reduced binder demand.

Keywords:

additive manufacturing, gum arabic, mechanical properties, rice husk

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