Perspectives of 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid-Based Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers

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Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | 05 | Page : –
    By

    R Meenakshi Reddy,

  • P. Piramanayagam,

  • G. Sabarinathan,

  • Rayi Krupadanam,

  • Jnanaranjan Acharya,

  • Surrya Prakash Dillibabu,

  • Beporam Iftekhar Hussain,

  • Dinesh Babu R,

  1. Associate professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, G. Pulla Reddy Engineering College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, KLN College of Engineering, Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics, PSNA College of Engineering and Technology (Autonomous), Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lendi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  6. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bapatla Engineering College, Andhra Pradesh, India
  8. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Achariya College of Engineering Technology, Puducherry,

Abstract

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The growing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials has led to the development of polylactic acid (PLA)-based composites reinforced with natural fibers. This study investigates the mechanical, thermal, printability, and environmental performance of 3D-printed PLA/Natural Fiber composites, addressing key challenges in fiber-matrix compatibility, structural integrity, and biodegradability. Natural fiber reinforcement enhanced Young’s modulus and flexural strength, but excessive fiber content led to agglomeration, reduced tensile strength, and increased brittleness. Thermal analysis (TGA/DSC) confirmed that fiber addition lowered PLA’s decomposition temperature but promoted crystallization, improving heat resistance. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) processing challenges, such as nozzle clogging, surface roughness, and interlayer adhesion issues, were mitigated through optimized extrusion parameters. Biodegradability assessments showed accelerated degradation rates for fiber-reinforced PLA composites, though increased water absorption impacted mechanical stability. This research establishes PLA/Natural Fiber composites as viable eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based polymers, with future improvements focused on fiber treatments, hybrid reinforcements, and advanced process optimization for enhanced performance.

Keywords: polylactic acid, printability

How to cite this article:
R Meenakshi Reddy, P. Piramanayagam, G. Sabarinathan, Rayi Krupadanam, Jnanaranjan Acharya, Surrya Prakash Dillibabu, Beporam Iftekhar Hussain, Dinesh Babu R. Perspectives of 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid-Based Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):-.
How to cite this URL:
R Meenakshi Reddy, P. Piramanayagam, G. Sabarinathan, Rayi Krupadanam, Jnanaranjan Acharya, Surrya Prakash Dillibabu, Beporam Iftekhar Hussain, Dinesh Babu R. Perspectives of 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid-Based Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=0


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
05
Received 23/03/2025
Accepted 04/07/2025
Published 11/07/2025
Publication Time 110 Days
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