3D Printing of Biopolymer Composites Investigation on Effect of Egg Shell Particles on Polylactic Acid Matrix

Abstract

Biodegradable polymer plays a crucial role in Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies due to its new properties, such as 100% degradability and eco-friendliness. Polylactic acid-egg shell powder (calcium carbonate) bio-composite was prepared by incorporating egg shell powder at different weight proportions into PLA polymer matrix by 3D printing, fused deposition modeling (FDM) method, which enables rapid prototyping and fabrication of parts with complex geometries. Mechanical properties and biodegradability of the PLA reinforced with eggshell powder bio-composites were characterized. Mechanical studies show that the mechanical stability of the PLA-calcium carbonate bio-composite decreased compared to that of PLA. Also, all the PLA-calcium carbonates bio composites are biodegradable. The best outcome may be used as Bio-resorbable Biomaterial for various applications such as Sutures, Drug delivery, Laser surgery, Tissue staples, etc. The reinforced polymer matrix composite specimen will be characterized using Scanning electron microscopic images. SEM characterization of specimens was done, and it was found that the reinforcement of eggshell powder is mixed properly with polylactic acid. The eggshell powder was also characterized separately using the X-Ray Diffraction technique. The peaks in the eggshell are well fitted, revealing the major composition of CaCO3 presence with higher crystallite.