Bonding and Strengthening the PLA Biopolymer in Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

3D printing is a revolutionary additive manufacturing method that enables rapid prototyping and design flexibility. A variety of thermoplastic polymers can be used in printing. As it is necessary to reduce the consumption of petrochemical resources, alternative solutions are being researched, and the interest in using bioplastics and biocomposites is constantly growing. Often, however, the properties of biopolymers are insufficient and need to be improved to compete with petroleum-based plastics. The paper aims to analyze the available information on elements produced from more than one material, with additive manufacturing resulting from 3D printing using biopolymer Polylactic Acid (PLA). The study notes the possibility of modifying and improving the properties of PLA using layered printing or by modifying PLA filaments. Several modifications improving and changing the properties of PLA were also noted, including printing parameters when combined with other materials: process temperatures, filling, and surface development for various sample geometries.

Challenges and Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing Polymer Technology: A Review Based on Optimization Perspective

“…Comparing this polymer to other polymers, its fair price, eco-friendly biocompatibility, and suitable physicomechanical characteristics have made it an excellent choice. [60][61][62][63][64][65].…”

On the Production of Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA) Compounds with Metallic Stearates Based on Zinc, Magnesium and Cobalt. Investigation of Torque Rheometry and Thermal Properties

“…26,27 To solve this problem and expand its applications, PLA has been modified by adding impact modifiers. 28 Given the importance of PLA for the polymer transformation industry, several studies [29][30][31] on mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties stand out, especially in expanding to the additive manufacturing sector. In addition, the growing importance of sustainable industry has increased the need to improve PLA performance, aiming to replace commodity polymers for practical applications.…”

An Adaptive Algorithm and Additively Manufactured Punch Used to Form Aluminum Sheet Metal Parts

“…The term “additive manufacturing” or “rapid prototyping” describes the manufacturing of parts by successively adding layer-to-layer material. This method allows for the production of components with ready-assembled static and mobile elements in a single manufacturing session [ 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

“…The materials used in additive manufacturing include numerous polymers, metals (aluminum, steel, titanium, bronze, silver, gold), quartz, ceramics, and many composite materials [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”

“…This process requires a material to be extruded through a nozzle on a specific Cartesian interpolated path, thus forming successive layers. The extrusion of heated thermoplastic materials represents some variations of this process with a limited dosage [ 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”