Development of polyethylene (PE) / polylactic acid (PLA) - hydroxyapatite (HA) biocomposite wire for 3D printing process

• Main Author: Muhammad Syafiq Sharani
• Format: text::Final Year Project
• Language: English US
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Three-dimension printing; Polyethylene; Polylactic acid

This thesis explores the possibilities of 3D printed bio-composite parts such as polyethylene (PE)/ polylactic acid (PLA) - Hydroxyapatite (HA) biocomposite by investigating their mechanical properties. The intended final usage is for consumer- grade, unmodified 3D printers. The objective of this project is to develop PE/PLA-HA as a biocomposite filament for 3D printing process. Composition used for the first trial was PE (85wt%), PLA (13wt%) and HA (2wt%). PE is a conventional thermoplastic that are easily obtainable at a low cost. It is non-degradable polymer which could not be used for any biodegradable applications. Therefore, PLA which is a common biodegradable thermoplastic material is blended with PE for developing 3D printed components. Usually, the final fabricated part is not outdoor friendly and sensitive to above-ambient temperature.