Recovery of Waste Material from Biobags: 3D Printing Process and Thermo-Mechanical Characteristics in Comparison to Virgin and Composite Matrices

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to limit the environmental impact of packaging applications by promoting the recycling of waste products and the use of sustainable materials in additive manufacturing technology. To this end, a commercial polylactide acid (PLA)-based filament derived from waste production of bio-bags is herein considered. For reference, a filament using virgin PLA and one using a wood-based biocomposite were characterized as well. Preliminary testing involved infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of printing parameters (nanely bed temperature, layer thickness, top surface layers, retraction speed, and distance) on the final aesthetics of 3D printed parts was verified. The results allow us to attest that the thermal properties of recycled polymer are comparable to those of virgin PLA and biocomposite. In the case of recycled polymer, after the extrusion temperature, bed temperature, and printing speed are estabilished the lowest allowable layer thickness and an appropriate choice of retraction movements are required in order to realize 3D-printed objects without morphological defects visible to the naked eyes. In the case of wood biocomposite, the printing process was complicated by frequent obstructions, and in none of the operating conditions was it possible to obtain an aesthetically satisfying piece of the chosen geometry (Lego-type bricks) Finally, mechanical testing on the 3D printed parts of each system showed that the recycled PLA behaves similarly to virgin and wood/PLA filaments.

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) of Thermoplastic-Based Filaments: Process and Rheological Properties—An Overview

“…One of the notable benefits of this growing technology is the reuse of discarded thermoplastic materials to produce quality products [24].…”

Circular Economy Advancements in Additive Manufacturing and Polymer Waste Recycling: Reshaping Sustainability

“…Many authors have suggested the DRAM process as a cost-effective technique to produce highquality filaments for Fusion deposition modeling printers that use melting and extruding to create prototyping parts. However, the compatibility of DRAM with SLS is an ongoing study that has the power to revolutionize the polymer waste recycling industry [10]. Nonetheless, the compatibility of DRAM is highest with stereolithography, as the closed-loop system easily works with the process called photopolymerization.…”

Cellulose/Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Composites as a Sustainable Bio-Based Feedstock to 3D-Printing Applications

“…In the last 30 years, additive manufacturing (AM) has evolved as a new digital technology that is versatile, flexible, and highly adjustable for creating three-dimensional items with complicated geometry and precise shape using computer-aided design (CAD) [16]. Metallic, ceramic, and polymeric materials, as well as mixtures in the form of composites and hybrid systems, can be used to produce 3D parts/objects [17][18][19]. Given the wide range of material flexibility and design freedom, efforts have been focused on producing bio-based filaments to develop sustainable 3D-printed objects and replace fossil-based conventional plastic filaments [20,21].…”