Sustainable improvement in the polylactic acid properties of 3D printing filaments: The role of bamboo fiber and epoxidized soybean oil‐branched cardanol ether compatibilizer

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) is the prevailing raw material for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing filaments, offering benefits such as a low printing temperature, minimal shrinkage, and biodegradability. However, this material has challenges such as poor toughness, low heat deflection temperature, susceptibility to moisture‐induced thermal degradation, and high costs. This study addressed these concerns by incorporating natural bamboo fiber (BF) into PLA, elevating heat the deflection temperature and lowering the material costs. Additionally, a synthesized branched structure compatibilizer, in the form of epoxidized soybean oil‐branched cardanol ether (ESOn‐ECD), enhanced the toughness of PLA, the bonding strength between PLA and the BF surface, and the flowability of high‐fiber composites during processing and printing. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties were assessed, demonstrating the promising processing performance of PLA/BF/ESO3‐ECD. The fully biobased composite exhibits strength, toughness, good processability, excellent 3D printability, and durability, implying substantial potential in FDM 3D filament production.Highlights Bio‐based PLA/bamboo fiber/ESO3‐ECD FDM 3D printing filaments were developed. The excellent nucleation ability of the bamboo fibers enhances the crystallization rate and crystallinity of PLA. The epoxy values and branching degree of ESOn‐ECD are crucial for its effective modification.