Influence of Processing Parameters on Mechanical Properties and Degree of Crystallization of Polylactide

Abstract

This work attempts to assess the influence of process parameters on the change of mechanical properties and the degree of crystallinity of polylactide (PLA). PLA is a biodegradable material that has been widely used in various areas—from packaging, through medicine, to 3D printing, where it is used to produce prototypes. The method of processing is important, because the technological process and its parameters have a significant impact on the quality of the finished product. Their appropriate selection depends on quality and mechanical properties. The process parameters have an impact on the structure of PLA, specifically on the share of the crystalline phase, which is also important from the point of view of the functional properties of the finished product. This work assessed the impact of the technological parameters of the injection process on the final properties of the obtained samples. The obtained results of static tensile strength, hardness and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirm that changing these parameters affects the material properties.