The Use of Nanoscale Montmorillonite (MMT) as Reinforcement for Polylactide Acid (PLA) Prepared by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)—Comparative Study with Biocarbon and Talc Fillers

Abstract

The subject of the presented research focuses on a comparative assessment of three types of polymer fillers used to modify highly crystalline poly(lactic acid) PLA intended for the FDM technique. The aim of the presented work was to determine the performance of the developed materials. The key aspect of the work was the use of polymer fillers of three different types. Nano-sized montmorillonite (MMT), biobased biocarbon (BC) and mineral talc. The several types of composites were prepared using extrusion technique. The maximum content for BC and talc filler was limited to 20 wt%, while for MMT it was 5 wt%. Prepared samples were subjected to detailed material analysis including mechanical tests (tensile, flexural, Charpy), thermal analysis (DSC, DMTA), HDT/Vicat tests and structure analysis. The results of the test confirmed that even relatively small amount of nano-type filler can be more efficient than micrometric particles. The used type of matrix was highly crystalline PLA, which resulted in a significant nucleation effect of the crystalline structure. However, thermomechanical tests revealed no improvement in thermal resistance. Microscopic survey confirmed that for MMT and talc filler the structure anisotropy was leading to more favorable properties, especially when compared to structures based on spherical BC particles.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of filament and fused deposition modelling printed polylactic-acid and carbon-fiber reinforced polylactic-acid

“…Andrzejewski et al 57 calculated the density of neat PLA filament and printed part as 1.247 ± 0.006 g/cm 3 1.203 ± 0.034 g/cm 3 , respectively, reporting a drop of 3.528%. Also, Wang et al 58 performed a density test based on the Archimedes principle.…”

“…Hence, the percentage drop in density from the filament to printed samples, in the case of PLA and CF + PLA was found to be 1.256% and 2.283%, respectively. Andrzejewski et al 57 calculated the density of neat PLA filament and printed part as 1.247 ± 0.006 g/cm 3 1.203 ± 0.034 g/cm 3 , respectively, reporting a drop of 3.528%. Also, Wang et al 58 performed a density test based on the Archimedes principle.…”

Advancements in Functionally Graded Polyether Ether Ketone Components: Design, Manufacturing, and Characterisation Using a Modified 3D Printer

“…However additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has emerged as a production technique that complements traditional manufacturing processes. Additive manufacturing enables the rapid creation of complex geometries and customised designs with minimal material waste, making it ideal for prototyping as well as scaled-up production [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. By combining traditional manufacturing methods with additive manufacturing, manufacturers can harness the advantages of both techniques, achieving greater flexibility, improved efficiency, and enhanced product innovation in the realm of polymers and composites.…”

Knowledge-Based Design Algorithm for Support Reduction in Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing

“…To address this issue, generating fewer support structures on overhangs has been actively studied in the field of DfAM. Since material extrusion-based AM (MEX) machines are a reasonable price to purchase and can handle a variety of AM materials, the MEX process has been considered in previous studies [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Support generation of the MEX process can be affected by a build orientation, an overhang angle between a build plate and design features, and the setting of process parameters.…”