Investigation on mechanical performance of 3D printed PLA-Kraft Lignin composites

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 03 | Page :
    By

    Patlola Chandra Sekhar,

  • T. Malyadri,

  • B. Satyanarayana,

  1. Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  3. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Abstract

Bio-based polymer composites are becoming more popular due to the growing need for sustainable and biodegradable materials in additive manufacturing. PLA-kraft lignin composites were created and their mechanical performance in fused deposition modeling (FDM) applications was assessed in this work. Polylactic acid (PLA) was mixed with Kraft lignin, a sustainable by-product of the paper industry, at weight percentages of 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%. Melt blending was utilized to prepare the composites, which were then extruded into 1.75 mm diameter filaments that were used to create standard test specimens using an FDM 3D printer under ideal processing circumstances. Tensile, flexural, and impact tests were used to examine the mechanical characteristics of the printed specimens in compliance with ASTM guidelines. According to the findings, tensile strength increased with lignin addition up to 5 weight percent, suggesting improved load transmission and interfacial contact. However, additional increases in lignin content caused a minor decrease because to agglomeration effects. As the lignin content increased, the flexural strength and modulus gradually decreased, indicating the composites’ increased stiffness and decreased flexibility. The brittle behavior of PLA–lignin composites was confirmed by the finding that impact strength decreased with increasing lignin content. In order to establish a balance between strength, stiffness, and toughness, an ideal lignin content of 3-5 weight percent was found. By proving that kraft lignin may be used as sustainable filler in PLA for 3D printing applications, this study advances the creation of environmentally friendly composite materials with enhanced performance attributes.

Keywords: Polylactic Acid (PLA), Kraft Lignin, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Melt blending, Biodegradable Composites.

How to cite this article:
Patlola Chandra Sekhar, T. Malyadri, B. Satyanarayana. Investigation on mechanical performance of 3D printed PLA-Kraft Lignin composites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-.
How to cite this URL:
Patlola Chandra Sekhar, T. Malyadri, B. Satyanarayana. Investigation on mechanical performance of 3D printed PLA-Kraft Lignin composites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=247821


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
03
Received 12/05/2026
Accepted 08/06/2026
Published 27/06/2026
Publication Time 46 Days
10

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