Micrometer Copper-Zinc Alloy Particles-Reinforced Wood Plastic Composites with High Gloss and Antibacterial Properties for 3D Printing

Abstract

In this work, micrometer copper-zinc alloy particles-reinforced particleboard wood flour/poly (lactic acid) (mCu-Zn/PWF/PLA) wood plastic composites with high gloss and antibacterial properties for 3D printing were prepared by a melt blending process. The structure and properties of the composites with different contents of mCu-Zn were analyzed by means of mechanical testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and antibacterial testing. The results showed that the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and antibacterial performance of the composites were significantly improved, as mCu-Zn was added into the wood plastic composites. When adding 2 wt.% mCu-Zn, the flexural strength of mCu-Zn/PWF/PLA composites (with 5 wt.% of particleboard wood flour) (PWF) increased by 47.1% compared with pure poly (lactic acid) (PLA), and 18.9% compared with PWF/PLA wood plastic composites. The surface gloss was increased by 1142.6% compared with PWF/PLA wood plastic composites. Furthermore, the inhibition rates of mCu-Zn/PWF/PLA composites against Escherichia coli reached 90.43%. Therefore, this novel high gloss and antibacterial wood plastic composites for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing have potential applications in personalized and classic furniture, art, toys, etc.

Biodegradable Poly(Lactic Acid) Nanocomposites for Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing

“…However, introducing PWF into PLA does not produce a glossy appearance or antibacterial properties. Therefore, micrometer copper–zinc (mCu–Zn) alloys have been introduced [ 51 ]. First, PWF was treated with hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions to remove cellulose, which may degrade at high processing temperatures and cause the material to discolor or lose strength [ 51 ].…”

“…Therefore, micrometer copper–zinc (mCu–Zn) alloys have been introduced [ 51 ]. First, PWF was treated with hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions to remove cellulose, which may degrade at high processing temperatures and cause the material to discolor or lose strength [ 51 ]. Maximum mechanical properties occurred when 5 wt % PWF was introduced into the PLA matrix.…”

“…Maximum mechanical properties occurred when 5 wt % PWF was introduced into the PLA matrix. The addition of mCu–Zn increased the thermal properties of PLA/PWF nanocomposites and, with an introduction of 2 wt % mCu–Zn, and produced glossy, antibacterial nanocomposites [ 51 ].…”

3D Printing of Metal/Metal Oxide Incorporated Thermoplastic Nanocomposites With Antimicrobial Properties

“…Notably, objects associated with public use can be made safer by 3D printing with antimicrobial nanocomposites. Yang et al (2020) fabricated a particleboard wood flour/PLA composite filament reinforced by copper-zinc alloy nanoparticles for FDM-based 3D printing. They suggested that the developed filament can be used to print personalized furniture, public benches and toys, owing to its good antimicrobial properties and environmental safety (Yang et al, 2020).…”

“…Yang et al (2020) fabricated a particleboard wood flour/PLA composite filament reinforced by copper-zinc alloy nanoparticles for FDM-based 3D printing. They suggested that the developed filament can be used to print personalized furniture, public benches and toys, owing to its good antimicrobial properties and environmental safety (Yang et al, 2020). In short, these examples provide a clear vision of how 3D printing of antimicrobial nanocomposites can be applied to make imaginative and customized products.…”