Shape-Memory Properties of 3D Printed Cubes from Diverse PLA Materials with Different Post-Treatments

Abstract

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) belongs to the 3D printable materials which show shape-memory properties, i.e., which can recover their original shape after a deformation if they are heated above the glass transition temperature. This makes PLA quite an interesting material for diverse applications, such as bumpers, safety equipment for sports, etc. After investigating the influence of the infill design and degree, as well as the pressure orientation on the recovery properties of 3D printed PLA cubes in previous studies, here we report on differences between different PLA materials as well as on the impact of post-treatments after 3D printing by solvents or by heat. Our results show not only large differences between materials from different producers, but also a material-dependent impact of the post treatments. Generally, it is possible to tailor the mechanical and recovery properties of 3D printed PLA parts by choosing the proper material in combination with a chemical or temperature post-treatment.

Facile Surface Treatment of 3D-Printed PLA Filter for Enhanced Graphene Oxide Doping and Effective Removal of Cationic Dyes

“…However, this treatment softened the PLA scaffold and made it more flexible. Eventually, the filter became degraded and unable to retain its shape, which is consistent with the results reported elsewhere [ 21 , 38 ]. On the other hand, a diluted acetone solution with a concentration lower than 90% (wt.% in water) was not effective for GO doping compared to the case of 95 wt.% of acetone, as shown in Figure 2 b.…”

“…Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a commonly used printing method in which thermoplastic materials are heated and injected. Polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polystyrene (PS) are among the thermoplastic materials that are commonly used in 3D printing [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. However, the listed thermoplastic materials do not intrinsically possess the properties required to adsorb certain types of water pollutants.…”

On Comparison of Heat Treated and Non-Heat-Treated LOM Manufactured Sample for Poly(lactic)acid: Mechanical and Morphological View Point

“…Ehrmann et al [ 21 ] explored the post-heat treatment process for PLA material for different grades and colors of PLA. The reported results suggested that there are contradictions and low reproducibility of the results with the previously reported data.…”

4D printing light-/thermo-responsive shape memory composites based on thermoplastic polyurethane/polylactic acid/polyaniline blends

“…1730 ∼ 1700 cm À1 was the hydrogen-bonded urethane groups (amide I), the peak at 1072 cm À1 belonged to C-O-C stretching. 28,29 For PLA, 2996 cm À1 and 2946 cm À1 were assigned to the stretching modes of asymmetric and symmetrical C-H bonds, respectively. The stretching vibration of the C = O bond peak located at 1755 cm À1 , and 1182 cm À1 corresponds to the stretching of the ether bond.…”