Effects of lubricant and toughening agent on the fluidity and toughness of poplar powder-reinforced polylactic acid 3D printing materials

Abstract

Three dimensional (3D) printing materials were manufactured with polylactic acid (PLA) and poplar powder using the twin screw extruder and 3D printing consumables extruder. Lubricant (TPW604) and toughening agent polyolefin elastomer (POE) were utilized to improve the fluidity and toughness of the materials. 3D printing materials were tested by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, melt flow rate, rheology behavior, impact and scanning electron microscope. The results show that the poplar powder could decrease impact strength of PLA, the same as TPW604. Unlike poplar powder, TPW604 can improve the fluidity of 3D printing materials. And POE can fill the voids formed by poplar powder in PLA, enhance interface compatibility between poplar powder and PLA, and effectively improve the fluidity and impact strength of 3D printing materials.