Colour Fastness to Various Agents and Dynamic Mechanical Characteristics of Biocomposite Filaments and 3D Printed Samples

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyse the colour fastness of 3D printed samples that could be used as decorative or household items. Such items are often fabricated with 3D printing. The colour of filaments affects not only the mechanical properties, but also the appearance and user satisfaction. Samples of biocomposite filaments (PLA and PLA with added wood and hemp fibres) were used. First, the morphological properties of the filaments and 3D printed samples were analysed and then, the colour fastness against different agents was tested (water, oil, detergent, light and elevated temperature). Finally, the dynamic mechanical properties of the filaments and 3D printed samples were determined. The differences in the morphology of the filaments and 3D printed samples were identified with SEM analysis. The most obvious differences were observed in the samples with wood fibres. All printed samples showed good resistance to water and detergents, but poorer resistance to oil. The sample printed with filaments with added wood fibres showed the lowest colour fastness against light and elevated temperatures. Compared to the filaments, the glass transition of the printed samples increased, while their stiffness decreased significantly. The lowest elasticity was observed in the samples with wood fibres. The filaments to which hemp fibres were added showed the reinforcement effect. Without the influence on their elasticity, the printed samples can be safely used between 60 and 65 °C.

Influence of Compounding Parameters on the Tensile Properties and Fibre Dispersion of Injection-Moulded Polylactic Acid and Thermomechanical Pulp Fibre Biocomposites

“…Fillers with a lower surface area per volume or insufficient fibre–matrix surface interaction are known for allowing a greater mobility of the biocomposite, leading to increased heat dissipation under deformation through applied stress to the biocomposite. This results in a higher loss modulus, as seen for series 1/50/180 [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. The greater chain mobility observed for series 1/50/180 was already indicated by its comparatively high MFI, thus confirming the presented results.…”

A comprehensive review on natural fillers reinforced polymer composites using fused deposition modeling

“…Commercial composite filaments (PLA/hemp/wood fiber) and printed samples were studied for color fastness and dynamic mechanical analyses. [ 154 ]…”

“…Commercial composite filaments (PLA/hemp/wood fiber) and printed samples were studied for color fastness and dynamic mechanical analyses. [154] Compared to PLA and hemp composites, hemp composites (Filament and 3D samples) have demonstrated more excellent heat stability. Colorfastness was lowest in wood fiber composites.…”

A Review of Natural Fiber-Based Filaments for 3D Printing: Filament Fabrication and Characterization

“…The expansion of the neck created between nearby fibers, as well as molecular diffusion and randomness at the interface, all affect the strength of these interactions [71]. In a recent study, Muck et al [72] developed a wood/PLA composite filament and found that the outer surface of the filament has a rough surface and a highly porous structure, as in Figure 9a,b. The filament has fiber pullouts, gaps between the fiber and the matrix, an extremely uneven transverse surface and structure, and a non-eccentric diameter.…”