Study of PLA/PA12/WA Filament Composite for 3D Printing Process

Abstract

This study investigates the physical and mechanical properties of polymer-ceramic composite filaments composed of Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyamide 12 (PA12), and Wollastonite (WA) for 3D printing applications, particularly in the medical field. The selected materials—PLA for its use in medical implants, PA12 for its biodegradability and biocompatibility, and WA as a bioceramic suitable for tissue regeneration—were blended to create four compositions, specifically 90PLA/10WA, with PA12 filler content varying from 20 to 40 wt.% in the PLA/WA composite. Rheological analysis was conducted at temperatures of 180°C, 190°C, and 200°C, under loads of 20N, 30N, 40N, and 50N, using a 1 mm die to extrude the feedstock. The objective was to determine the flow behavior index (n) and achieve pseudoplastic behavior (n < 1). The extruded composites were then subjected to tensile testing to assess their mechanical properties. The results showed that all composite feedstocks exhibited pseudoplastic behavior. Notably, the composite with 40 wt.% PA12 filler demonstrated superior mechanical properties, achieving an ultimate tensile strength of 28.6 MPa, an ultimate strain of 21.9%, and a Young’s modulus of 1220 MPa. These findings suggest that the PLA/PA12/WA composite is a promising material for medical applications, offering both biocompatibility and enhanced mechanical performance.