Glass Fillers in Three Different Forms Used as Reinforcement Agents of Polylactic Acid in Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing

The industrial demand for functional filaments made of bio-sourced, biocompatible, biodegradable, and/or recyclable polymers and composites material extrusion (MEX) 3D printing is continuously growing. Polylactic acid (PLA), the most popular filament, combines such properties, yet its reinforcement with low-cost, inert, recycled fillers remains challenging. Herein, glass in three different micro/nano-forms was agent PLA. Three experimental tiers were elaborated by producing composite powder, beads, flake forms various loadings to optimize concentrations. A thermomechanical process, i.e., melt filament extrusion, exploited. evaluated their thermal degradation stability composition using thermogravimetric analysis Raman. MEX used produce tensile, flexural, impact, microhardness specimens, quantitatively evaluate mechanical response. Field emission scanning electron microscopy evaluation fractography carried out depict fracture patterns specimens after tests. All types induced impressive effects (up 60% flexural loading), especially form. impact additional process cost through implementation also assessed, indicating that are cost-effective.