Determination of thermal and thermomechanical properties of biodegradable PLA blends: for additive manufacturing process

The purpose of this study is to investigate the thermal and viscoelastic properties of polylactic acid (PLA) blends with the aim of optimizing properties for fused filament fabrication. Additive manufacturing opens many possible applications for materials in processing and application. Determining the most effective thermal and viscoelastic properties is required for printing. PLA blends can be tailored to suit design specification, printers and printing parameters. Quantified analysis of differential scanning calorimetry and rheology is applied to the qualitative property of printability, with preferences of thermal stability, melt temperature, shear thinning effects and zero shear viscosities. This paper intends to further bridge this gap between physical properties and material printability.