We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Investigation of the Hydrolytic Degradation Kinetics of 3D-Printed PLA Structures under a Thermally Accelerated Regime
Summary
Researchers investigated the hydrolytic degradation kinetics of 3D-printed PLA structures under thermally accelerated conditions, finding that print orientation and layer thickness influence degradation rate and that PLA retains structural integrity longer than expected under moderate temperature and humidity.
The application of biobased and biodegradable polymers, such as polylactide (PLA), in fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printing technology creates a new prospect for rapid prototyping and other applications in the context of ecology. The popularity of the FDM method and its significance in material engineering not only creates new prospects for the development of technical sciences on an industrial scale, but also introduces new technologies into households. In this study, the kinetics of the hydrolytic degradation of samples obtained by the FDM method from commercially available PLA filaments under a thermally accelerated regime were analyzed. The investigation was conducted at the microstructural, supramolecular, and molecular levels by using methods such as micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), viscosimetry, and mass erosion measurements. The obtained results clearly present the rapid structural changes in 3D-printed materials during degradation due to their amorphous initial structure. The complementary studies carried out at different scale levels allowed us to demonstrate the relationship between the observed structural changes in the samples and the hydrolytic decomposition of the polymer chains, which made it possible to scientifically understand the process and expand the knowledge on biodegradation.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Explication of mechanism governing atmospheric degradation of 3D-printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with different in-fill pattern and varying in-fill density
Researchers studied the atmospheric degradation of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) samples exposed to natural weather conditions in India, examining different in-fill patterns and densities. The study found that while PLA performance deteriorated over time due to UV exposure, humidity, and other environmental factors, the combination of in-fill pattern and volume played an important role in the rate of degradation.
The aging behavior of degradable plastic polylactic acid under the interaction of environmental factors
Researchers used response surface methodology to study how temperature, light, and humidity interact to accelerate the aging and breakdown of polylactic acid, a common biodegradable plastic. The study found that humidity had the greatest effect on PLA degradation, followed by light and temperature. Evidence indicates that even biodegradable plastics can release microplastic particles as they age under environmental conditions, posing potential ecological concerns.
Evolution of the Molecular and Supramolecular Structures of PLA during the Thermally Supported Hydrolytic Degradation of Wet Spinning Fibers
Researchers studied the structural evolution of polylactic acid fibers during accelerated hydrolytic degradation at different pH levels and temperatures, finding disorder-to-order phase transitions in the polymer's supramolecular structure that affect the degradation behavior of PLA materials in real-world conditions.
Changes in the Thermal and Structural Properties of Polylactide and Its Composites During a Long-Term Degradation Process
Researchers studied the long-term degradation of polylactide (PLA) composites to understand how their thermal and structural properties change over time. The findings indicate that as PLA breaks down during composting, there is potential for microplastic formation, and the rate of decomposition varies depending on the composite composition.
3D-printed polylactic acid biopolymer and textile fibers: comparing the degradation process
3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) objects and PLA textile fibers were compared in their degradation behavior under composting and environmental conditions. Both materials degraded over time but at different rates depending on their physical form and surface area. The study provides insights into how PLA-based products break down and whether they produce persistent microplastic residues.