Production of PLA-Milled Carbon Fibers (MCF) filled filaments for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) printing

Abstract

Polylactide (PLA) filaments for fused filament fabrication (FFF) printing with high content of milled carbon fibers (MCF, average length of 1000 nm) are produced. The selected MCF are obtained from commercial sources that derives them from pyrolysis of carbon fibers composites. Twin-screw extruder equipped with volumetric and side feeders are used to melt mix different content of MCF (i.e., from 10 to 30 wt%) prior to filament extrusion. The produced reinforced filaments are used for 3D printing specimens that are characterized in terms of their thermomechanical properties. Higher mechanical properties compared to commercial reinforced filaments are obtained with the filament modified with 30 wt% of MCF.