Additive Manufacturing of Halochromic Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Abstract

With increasing concerns regarding plastic waste and pollution, researchers have been looking to develop advanced materials from biodegradable plastics. This study features a halochromic biodegradable polymer produced using additive manufacturing. The purpose of this research is to fabricate halochromic polylactic acid (PLA) filaments and assess its halochromic behaviour, mechanical and chemical properties of the 3D printed PLA specimens. PLA/polyethylene glycol (PEG)/bromocresol purple (BCP) compound was prepared and added in extrusion to produce a 3D printing filament. Dumbbell-shaped and rectangular specimens were fabricated from the filament through 3D printing. The halochromic responsiveness and colour reversibility were tested by exposing the samples to liquid and vaporized hydrochloric acid (strong acid), acetic acid (weak acid) and ammonia (strong alkali). The tensile properties, fracture surface morphology and chemical species of the specimens were tested and analyzed through tensile test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The halochromic responsiveness shows obvious colour changes from yellow to blue when exposed to strong alkali. The tensile strength and modulus were found to be higher in comparison to plasticized PLA but the elongation at break was lower. SEM morphology show brittle fracture characteristics in the printed specimens. Overall, the 3D printed halochromic PLA specimens show promising results and have proven their functionality as pH sensors which offers wide applications in many industries such as medical, environmental and packaging.