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Microstructural and Hydrophilic Properties of Polylactide Polymer Samples with Various 3D Printing Patterns
Alexandr S Lenshin1, Vera E Frolova1, Sergey V Kannykin1
1Department of Solid State Physics and Nanostructures, Voronezh State University, Voronezh 394018, Russia.
Polymers
|May 11, 2024
Summary
3D printing alters polylactic acid (PLA) microstructure and enhances its hydrophilic properties. The fused deposition modeling (FDM) process influences PLA crystallization and surface wettability based on printing pattern geometry.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer widely used in 3D printing.
- The fused deposition modeling (FDM) process involves layer-by-layer material deposition.
- Understanding the impact of FDM on PLA properties is crucial for optimizing its applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of the 3D printing process on the microstructural and hydrophilic properties of PLA.
- To analyze how different printing patterns influence PLA's characteristics.
- To determine the relationship between surface morphology and wettability in 3D printed PLA.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the FDM method with black PLA filament.
- Employing X-ray phase analysis to study crystallization.
- Conducting IR spectroscopy to assess chemical bonds.
- Measuring wetting edge angles to evaluate hydrophilicity.
- Analyzing surface morphology using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Main Results:
- FDM processing induced partial crystallization of PLA, varying with pattern geometry and surface morphology.
- IR spectroscopy confirmed the preservation of intrastructural chemical bonds in PLA.
- Printed PLA samples exhibited hydrophilic properties with wetting angles between 50-60°.
- Surface morphology and wettability were significantly influenced by the geometry of the printed patterns.
Conclusions:
- The 3D printing process, specifically FDM, modifies PLA's microstructure and enhances its surface hydrophilicity.
- Printing pattern geometry is a key factor affecting both the surface morphology and wettability of 3D printed PLA.
- PLA retains its chemical integrity during FDM printing, with crystallization being the primary microstructural change.
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