Evaluation of Printing Parameters on Porosity and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed PLA/PBAT Blend Parts

Abstract

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a rapidly growing additive manufacturing technology due to its ability to manufacture complex‐shaped parts in a simple process. FDM parts present inherent porosity due to the fabrication process. The mechanical performance of the built part depends on controlling several printing parameters of the specimen and the quantity of voids. PLA/PBAT [polylactic acid/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)] blend is a biodegradable polyester with bio‐based content that is used as a potential replacement for conventional petroleum‐based polymers. PBAT reduces the stiffness and improves the tear strength of PLA. There is a lack of research on PLA/PBAT 3D printed parts, especially the relationship between flexural mechanical properties and porosity of PLA/PBAT parts. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of layer thickness (LT), deposition speed (DS), and printing direction (PD) on porosity and flexural properties of PLA/PBAT blend parts. Experimental design method is used to identify the set of parameters, which gives optimized results. Specimens fabricated with lower printing parameter values allowed obtaining parts with less porosity and consequently improved bending properties.

Binary Green Blends of Poly(lactic acid) with Poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) and Poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) and Their Nanocomposites

“…The improvement of mechanical properties of PLA attained by blending with PBAT or PBSA, as well by addition of nanofillers, pushed development of these materials as filaments for 3D printing. PLA/PBAT and PLA/PBSA blends were investigated by a number of researchers, to test their suitability as 3D printing material, either as binary blends, or as compatibilized formulations [181][182][183][184], as well as containing micro-and nanofillers [185][186][187].…”

Deformation Behavior of 3D Printed Auxetic Structures of Thermoplastic Polymers: PLA, PBAT, and Blends

“…Though the biodegradability of the blends of PLA and PBAT is not as good as that of the pure polymers [ 20 ], blends can be manufactured by using a coupling agent to ease chemical miscibility [ 21 , 22 ]. The printability of such blends has been investigated and proven, e.g., by Cardoso et al [ 23 ]. Regarding the high potential of bio-based and biodegradable polymers, auxetic structures manufactured from these materials could be used in, e.g., healthcare applications.…”

Development of Biodegradable PLA/PBAT-Based Filaments for Fertilizer Release for Agricultural Applications

“…These discontinuities and/or voids can be associated with the deposition of the filament in layers in the formation of the part. During deposition, gaps may be partially filled (pores) due to incomplete diffusion into adjacent strands in some parts, and slight agglomeration or saturation of the filling may be observed [ 22 , 39 ].…”

“…Allied to the use of biodegradable plastics for sustainability, industry 4.0 presents itself as a crucial tool in increasing productivity and efficiency in the planning and control of products in several segments, with agricultural development being the most recent. Additive manufacturing, one of the pillars of this new industry, comprises a low-cost, efficient, easy-to-operate production technique which provides a wide variety of materials that can be used in versatile applications [ 22 , 23 , 24 ] ranging from biomedical, automotive and aerospace applications as well as prototyping industries in general [ 25 ].…”