Physical, thermal and tensile behaviour of 3D printed kenaf/PLA to suggest its usability for ankle–foot orthosis – a preliminary study

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the physical and thermal properties of the three-dimensional (3D) printing natural composite filament, as well as the tensile behaviour of the printed composites to get an insight of its possibility to be used as an ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) material. Design/methodology/approach Physical test that was conducted includes scanning electron microscopy analysis, thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry analysis as well as the effect of fibre load after extrusion on the filament morphology. Tensile test was conducted with different amounts of fibre loads (0, 3, 5 and 7 Wt.%) on the printed specimens. Findings There is an increment of strength as the fibre load is increased to 3 Wt.%; however, it decreases significantly as it is increased to 5 and 7 Wt.% because of the presence of voids. It also shows that the extrusion temperature severely affects the structure of the filaments, which will then affect the strength of the printed composites. Based on the results, it is possible to use kenaf/polylactic acid (PLA) filament to print out AFO as long as the filament production and printing process are being controlled properly. Originality/value The unique aspect of this paper is the investigation of kenaf/PLA filament as a material for 3D printing, as well as its material consideration for AFO manufacturing. This paper also studies the effect of extrusion temperature on the morphological structure of the filament and its effect on the tensile properties of the printed kenaf/PLA specimen.

Fatigue determination of the kenaf/PLA composite structure using fatigue specimen (ASTM D7791): a computational analysis

“…Despite extensive coupon-level study, the issue of predicting the spread of fatigue delamination in post-buckled strengthened composite panels remains unanswered. In fatigue loading settings, the rate of delamination growth is commonly defined by applying the power law established by [2,3], which relates the crack growth rate to the stress intensity factor or, equivalently, to the energy release rate.…”