Pastes for printing three-dimensional objects in additive manufacturing processes

A composition for the additive manufacture of three-dimensional objects, the composition comprising:

• about 4 to 60 wt % of a sinterable frit;
• about 0.5 to 10 wt % of a protein binder;
• and
• about 30 to 95.5 wt % of an aqueous-based solvent,
• wherein the sinterable frit is selected from the group consisting of glasses, ceramics, and powdered metals;
• wherein the protein binder is selected from the group consisting of gelatin and casein;
• and
• wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of water, an alcohol selected from the group consisting of C1 to C3 alcohols, benzyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

A method of additively manufacturing a three-dimensional object, the method including:

• providing a mixture of a sinterable frit, a protein binder, and an aqueous-based solvent;
• dispensing the mixture onto a substrate to form the three-dimensional object;
• evaporating the solvent from the three-dimensional object;
• and
• sintering the three-dimensional object at an elevated temperature for a period of time.