Parameter Optimization of Biodegradable Composite PLA-Wood with New-Generation Infill Pattern

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Additive Manufacturing
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Growing demand for sustainable materials drives innovation in bio-based composites for 3D printing.
• Polylactic acid (PLA)-wood composites offer a promising eco-friendly alternative for wood-like products.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the combined impact of printing parameters and novel infill patterns on the compressive strength of PLA-wood composites.
• Optimize material extrusion parameters for enhanced mechanical performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Taguchi method to design experiments, varying infill patterns (octet, cubic-subdivision, lightning), infill densities, printing temperatures, and layer heights.
• Applied signal-to-noise ratio and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine parameter significance and contribution.

Main Results:

• Optimal printing settings identified: 205°C printing temperature, 80% infill density, octet infill pattern, and 0.2 mm layer height, yielding a maximum compressive force of 7123.4 N.
• ANOVA revealed infill density as the most influential factor (60% contribution), followed by infill pattern, on compressive force.

Conclusions:

• Infill density and pattern are critical for maximizing the compressive strength of PLA-wood composites.
• Optimizing infill architecture and density provides design guidelines for lightweight, eco-friendly components with improved mechanical properties.