Fabrication of poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate), and poly(hydroxybutyrate) bio‐based and biodegradable blends for application in fused filament fabrication‐based 3D printing

Abstract

AbstractThe present study highlights biodegradable and bio‐based polymer blends from poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) as potential filaments for additive manufacturing. Dog‐bone‐shaped parts were prepared using the fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique. To assess polymer compatibility, interface, and printing performance, vertical and horizontal models were prepared and compared. The ratios of PBS/PLA and PBS/PHB were fixed at 5:5 and 7:3 for this research, respectively. The design concept is based on combining high elastic modulus glassy polymers (PLA and PHB) with soft, ductile PBS. The addition of PBS enhanced thermal processing and rheological properties. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the blends produced high‐quality prints while maintaining the original resolution and input parameters. Tensile tests revealed that PBS/PLA blends had significantly higher performance properties than PBS/PHB blends. Vertical prints that coincided with strain direction produced significant plastic deformation in PBS/PLA blends, achieving uniform elongation values of up to 10.4% and elongation at break values exceeding 150%. PBS/PHB blends showed lower compatibility for FFF compared with PBS/PLA blends. Produced bio‐based prints showed an increase in elastic modulus and tensile properties distinct from pure‐polymers; thus, blends have excellent potential for tuning the mechanical properties of the final product.