On mechanical characterization of 3-D printed PLA-PVC-wood dust-Fe3O4 composite

In recent past, fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based functional prototypes have been explored in printing of composites for 4-D applications as smart thermoplastics. The 3-D printed parts with 4-D properties have wide utility in structural/nonstructural engineering applications. Some studies have reported preparation of feedstock filament as composite material comprising of polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wood dust, and magnetite (Fe3O4). But hitherto very little has been reported on mechanical characterization of 3-D printed PLA-PVC-wood dust-Fe3O4 composite. The present work is an extension of study reported on mechanical and magnetic properties-based characterization of feedstock filament prepared for FDM, to understand the effect of processing parameters on properties of functional prototypes in structural/nonstructural engineering applications. For mechanical characterization, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and historical data approach have been used in optimization of 3-D printing condition in two stages. From ANOVA, it has been figured out that infill density of 100%, infill angle of 45 degrees, and infill speed of 70 mm/s have given best result for peak strength and break strength in first stage. Further, the results of ANOVA model suggested that either there were some missing independent variables or interaction of present variables with each other was playing role in output. In second stage, historical data approach was used to understand the affect of interactions present among the input variables. The morphological analysis suggested that the sample printed with maximum density and low infill angle has minimum porosity and thus shows better mechanical properties. The results were supported with photomicrographs to understand the effect of porosity in the fractured sample.

Automated summary

This study investigates the mechanical and magnetic properties of functional prototypes prepared by FDM printing of composite materials. The research optimized the printing conditions and found that a 100% infill density, a 45-degree infill angle, and a 70 mm/s infill speed resulted in the best peak strength and break strength. The use of historical data analysis also revealed the significant impact of infill angle on porosity and mechanical properties.