Mechanical characterization of materials with 3D printed biodegradable matrices

Abstract

In this work the resistance of 3D-printed biodegradable polymeric materials is evaluated according to different printing patterns. The specimens were printed at 15% fill in the internal structure with commercial Polylactic Acid (PLA) filaments arranged in different geometric patterns of printing mesh, such as hexagons, triangles, squares, among others. They were categorized based on both, their 3D printing structural patterns, and their performance in tensile tests. The triangular mesh specimen presented the best performance reaching values of maximum stress at average tension of 25.1 MPa, average maximum elongation of 3.51 mm and approximate Young's Modulus of 469.3 MPa. This type of categorization of 3D-printed PLA material, based on its 3D printing structural pattern and its mechanical tensile strength, represents an important criterion to optimize decisions during applications. Overall, this work contributes to technological advances without forgetting the obligations to the environment and sustainable development.