Evaluation on the printability and properties of 3D-printed part fabricated using plant fibre reinforced polymer composite filament

Mazli, Amirul Zakwan (2023) Evaluation on the printability and properties of 3D-printed part fabricated using plant fibre reinforced polymer composite filament. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

This study introduces the utilization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), an environmentally friendly thermoplastic material, for fused deposition modeling (FDM) applications. Specifically, sugar palm fiber, commonly used in reinforcement for polymer composites, was incorporated into PLA to create a sugar palm PLA filament. The primary objectives were to assess the printability of this filament with 3D printers, examine its extrusion behavior, evaluate its impact on physical and mechanical properties, and compare it with commercially available PLA filament. The testing process aimed to address tensile strength, bending resistance, and impact resistance. Challenges encountered during testing included issues related to complex part production, filament adhesion to the build plate, filament sticking, clogging, and inconsistent flow, commonly associated with natural fiber bio-composite filaments. To optimize filament processing conditions and printing parameters, the study successfully generated complete and warpage-free samples. Characterization of the PLA and sugar palm fiber blend involved various analyses, including physical and mechanical tests. The printability of the sugar palm PLA filament was evaluated through dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and mechanical performance tests (tensile, impact, and flexural). The ability to print high-quality, warpage-free samples from this blend suggests the potential for using this filament as a new feedstock material for FDM applications in both industrial and home settings. Findings indicated that bio-composite filaments can be successfully printed. However, further optimization of parameters is required to ensure smooth and consistent filament extrusion and printing. This optimization is crucial to minimize labor and produce end-products with improved strength and resolution, facilitating the creation of high-quality printed objects with minimal effort.

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