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Cyclic Economy-Driven Composites for Material Extrusion Three-Dimensional Printing: Poly(methyl methacrylate) from
Nectarios Vidakis1, Nikolaos Michailidis2,3, Dimitrios Kalderis4
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion 71410, Greece.
ACS Omega
|June 23, 2025
Summary
Recycled poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) combined with biochar shows enhanced properties for 3D printing. The optimal composite, PMMA/Biochar at 6.0 wt %, demonstrated over 20% strength increase, highlighting potential for eco-friendly materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Environmentally friendly materials are increasingly utilized in 3D printing (3D-P).
- Recycled poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and nature-sourced biochar are promising sustainable materials.
- Combining recycled PMMA with biochar offers unique properties for industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of recycled PMMA/biochar composites.
- To determine the optimal biochar concentration for enhanced material properties.
- To assess the potential of these composites for 3D printing applications.
Main Methods:
- Composites of recycled PMMA and biochar (0.0-10.0 wt %) were prepared.
- Filaments were extruded and coupons fabricated using material extrusion 3D-P.
- Mechanical (tensile, flexural, Charpy), microhardness, rheological, thermal, structural, morphological, porosity, and dimensional deviation properties were evaluated.
Main Results:
- The PMMA/Biochar 6.0 wt % composite exhibited the most significant improvements.
- Tensile and flexural strength increased by over 20% in the optimal composite.
- Biochar addition positively influenced most assessed properties of recycled PMMA.
Conclusions:
- The PMMA/Biochar 6.0 wt % composite shows superior performance for 3D printing.
- Eco-friendly biochar enhances the properties of recycled PMMA, making it suitable for 3D-P.
- These developed composites hold potential for sustainable additive manufacturing.
