Surface texture and thermo-mechanical properties of material extruded and ironed polylactic acid

This work investigates the effects of ironing process on physical properties material extruded polylactic acid (PLA). Polylactic is an exceedingly popular biodegradable polymer commonly used in extrusion 3D printing. As a promising alternative to petroleum based polymers, PLA has found use medical, textile, and packaging industries due its biocompatibility, renewability, good mechanical properties. Several parameters printing technique can alter characteristics part such as, print speed, (nozzle) temperature, layer thickness, infill density; which have led several studies printed PLA. Albeit, surface texture viscoelasticity ironed yet be reported upon. study utilizes fractional factorial design as basis for experimental design, order correlate impacts these morphology In this study, samples were produced using additive manufacturing with feedstock material. Twenty-seven iterations printed; each varying dictated by design. The (1) morphology, (2) roughness, (3) thermo-mechanical (visco-elastic) investigated report effect process. was observed produce more uniform smoother when ironed. Additionally, storage modulus glass transition temperature shown dependent mentioned above. Parametric control materials benefit research development existing materials, improving process, applied wide range engineering applications. contributes understanding abovementioned through parameter modification.