3D printed cellulose nanofibre-PLA nanocomposites: experimental investigations and multi-objective optimisation

Abstract

By incorporating cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) into the polymer matrix, bio-nanocomposites gain more stiffness and tensile strength. FFF is a popular 3D printing technique because of its affordability and simplicity. Many printing parameters affect component cost and function, making process settings for part quality difficult to determine. This work focuses on experimental analysis and multi-objective optimisation of FFF printing parameters and different CNF concentrations for PLA-CNF nanocomposites. The effects of layer thickness, raster angle, and CNF concentration on tensile strength, elastic modulus, toughness, and warpage are analysed. The different responses were combined into single number using TOPSIS (multi attribute performance index – MAPI). Layer thickness of 0.3 mm, raster angle of 60°, and CNF concentration of 1% were the features with the best quality. Validation experiments demonstrate 10% increase in optimal parameters over the initial values in MAPI. 16% CNF concentration and 75% layer thickness were identified as significant MAPI parameters.