Thermal decomposition features of micro-nano rice husk/polylactic acid blends for 3D printing

Abstract

The thermal decomposition process of 3D printed filament made from micro-nano rice husk (MNRH)/polylactic acid (PLA) blends was studied by dynamic thermogravimetric analysis. The characteristic temperatures and apparent activation energies of unmodified, single modified, and double modified RH/PLA composites were calculated by Friedman (FD), Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), Coats-Redfern (CR), and Kissinger (KS) kinetic models. With the modification of MNRH and PLA in the composites, the initial thermal decomposition temperature of the composite increased from 236.3°C to 244°C. At the same time, the thermal degradation degree decreased and the transition temperature interval increased. The apparent activation energy (AAE) values of different modified composites ranged from 90 to 120 kJ/mol, depending on the modification method and calculation method of the material. These four kinetic models provide methods to analyze the thermal stability of composites. It is helpful to known the thermal decomposition behavior of MNRH/PLA composites, and it will contribute to the development of MNRH/PLA filament for 3D printing in the application of automotive interior parts production.