Development of short basalt fiber reinforced polylactide composites and their feasible evaluation for 3D printing applications. (1st May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sang, Lin; Han, Shuangfeng; Li, Zhipeng; Yang, Xiaoli; Hou, Wenbin
• Is Part Of: Composites. Number 164(2019)
• Page Start: 629
• Page End: 639
• Publication Date: 2019-05-01
• Subjects: Basalt fiber -- Composite filaments -- Mechanical properties -- 3D printing; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.01.085
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8368

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this work is to develop KH550-treated basalt fiber (KBF) reinforced polylactide (PLA) composite as a potential 3D-printed feedstock. Herein, physical (thermal, mechanical, and rheological) properties and the feasibility of PLA/KBF for 3D printing are investigated. KBF is found to be oriented-dispersed along the printing direction in printed specimen, in contrast with randomly-distributed KBF in casting counterparts. Mechanical tests, rheological behavior and microstructure observation of PLA/KBF filaments are performed to compare with carbon fiber (CF) reinforced counterparts with the same fiber weight fraction. The results suggest that PLA/KBF exhibit comparable tensile properties and superior flexural properties to those of PLA/CF control, which can be attributed to high complex viscosity of PLA/CF affecting the interlayer adhesion. Furthermore, the printing feasibility of PLA/KBF filaments are evaluated. With increasing fiber length and weight fraction of KBF, low infill and micro-defects are shown in CT scans, which explain the deterioration in mechanical performance. The present work proves PLA/KBF as a mechanical-improved and low-cost feedstock for 3D printing applications in complex design and variable sizes. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Successfully fabricated novel PLA/KBF filaments as a potential low-cost 3D-printed feedstock. PLA/KBF filaments are capable to be printed variable size and shapes. Improved tensile properties and superior flexural properties of PLA/KBF in contrast with PLA/CF counterparts. Good adhesion between printing interlayers of PLA/KBF with moderate fiber lengths.