Characterization and Mechanical Analysis of PCL/PLA composites for FDM feedstock filament

Abstract

In this research, characterization, and the mechanical properties of Polycaprolactone (PCL) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) composites with the objective of determining their suitability as biomaterials for an alternative composites material for Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) was investigated. The percentage of PLA is varies from 10% to 50% by weight. The PCL/PLA composites were prepared by melting and mixing using Brabender Plastograph machine. The characterization of PCL/PLA composites was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Meanwhile, the mechanical properties were evaluated are the Tensile, Flexural and Impact. It demonstrate that by the addition of PLA it improve the mechanical properties of PCL and leads to a better processability of PCL/PLA composites. With the decrement of PLA content in PCL/PLA composites the Tensile Strength the Young's Modulus and also the Impact Strength of the composites increased. The highest tensile strength was recorded at 10.00 Mpa and the Young's Modulus was recorded at 118.26 Mpa. The highest Impact Strength was recorded at 1.33 J. However, the Flexural Strength and Flexural Modulus increased when the content of PLA decrease and it slightly drop when the content of PLA is at the 40%. The highest Flexural Strength and Flexural Modulus were recorded at 7.59 Mpa and 35.33 Mpa respectively. Overall it can be concluded that the PCL70PLA30 composites are the best formulation and it gives a better mechanical properties result.