Multi-Objective Optimization of Biodegradable and Recyclable Composite PLA/PHA Parts

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Additive manufacturing (AM), particularly fused deposition modeling (FDM), provides cost-effective and flexible production of polymer components.
• Biodegradable composites like PLA/PHA offer sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics.
• Optimizing FDM printing parameters is crucial for achieving desired mechanical properties in these composites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the mechanical performance (tensile and compressive strength) of biodegradable PLA/PHA composites produced by FDM.
• To evaluate the influence of layer height, printing orientation, and printing speed on the mechanical properties.
• To identify optimal printing parameters for maximizing strength using multi-objective optimization.

Main Methods:

• A full factorial design (3x3x3) was used to systematically vary printing parameters.
• Samples were produced using fused deposition modeling (FDM).
• Grey relational analysis (GRA) was employed for multi-objective optimization, complemented by ANOVA for statistical significance.

Main Results:

• Printing orientation was identified as the most significant factor influencing both tensile and compressive strength.
• The optimal parameter combination for enhanced mechanical properties included a layer height of 0.1 mm, X printing orientation, and a printing speed of 50 mm/s.
• Grey relational analysis effectively determined optimal settings for maximizing mechanical properties.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully optimized the mechanical properties of FDM-printed PLA/PHA composites.
• GRA is a viable method for optimizing multi-objective parameters in AM of biodegradable materials.
• Findings provide practical guidance for producing high-strength, sustainable polymer parts using FDM.