Pinecone-Derived Biocarbon-Polylactic Acid Composites for Sustainable 3D Printing

To address the escalating need for sustainable manufacturing, the integration of biomass-sourced carbon particles with biodegradable polymers offers a promising and innovative solution. This approach not only tackles environmental dilemmas but also drives material science forward, providing a promising pathway for eco-friendly progress. The present study focuses on developing pinecone-derived biocarbon (PCAC)-infused polylactic acid (PLA) composites for fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based additive manufacturing applications. An in-depth investigation was carried out on the developed composites, wherein the proportion of PCAC was modulated across a range of 0.025 to 0.100 wt %, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of composition-dependent characteristics. The morphological and optical analysis confirmed the consistent and homogeneous dispersion of PCAC throughout the PLA framework. A notable enhancement in mechanical performance was observed, with tensile strength experiencing a 60% increase at an optimal PCAC loading of 0.075 wt %. Beyond advancing sustainable initiatives, the research highlights the potential of PLA-PCAC biocomposites as a sustainable and effective substitute for conventional 3D printing materials. The ability of PLA-biocarbon composites in the form of spoons and glass to sustain the 3D printing process is demonstrated, and the enzymatic biodegradability of these polymeric composites is evaluated.