PNNL researchers develop seaweed-based inks and materials for 2D and 3D printing

In Washington state, researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed seaweed-based inks and materials for developing colorful 2-D and 3-D shapes and models.

The innovation is called ArtSea Inks and Materials. The set of vivid inks—think a futuristic upgrade from yesteryear’s eight-pack of Crayola crayons—was developed using seaweed solutions bolstered with pigments that give it a lustrous finish. ArtSea Inks and Materials don’t require high heat or unsustainable fossil fuel-laden plastic materials to produce non-toxic, durable structures.