Mechanical properties of novel PLA composite infused with betel nut waste biocarbon for sustainable 3D printing

To meet the continuously growing demands of sustainable engineering and environmental accountability, the fusion of biowaste-derived carbon particles with biodegradable polymers emerges as a beacon of innovation, presenting a persuasive approach to address environmental dilemmas while propelling the frontiers of material science, offering a compelling avenue for sustainable advancements. The present investigation delves into the development of novel betel nut shell-derived carbon (BNAC) infused PLA filament for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) applications. Detailed morphological and thermal analysis was conducted on the developed blends, including mechanical strength measurements. The microstructural analysis revealed a homogeneous diffusion of carbon particles within the PLA matrix. The results indicate a significant improvement in tensile strength, increasing by 51.1 % at 0.1 wt% biocarbon doping. However, the flexural strength showed only a moderate enhancement, with a maximum increase of 24.5 % at 0.025 wt% doping, indicating that adding BNAC does not simultaneously optimize both tensile and flexural properties. Beyond contributing to the progress of sustainable practices, the study illuminates the promising prospects of biodegradable PLA-BNAC composites as a compelling and eco-conscious alternative for 3D printing materials, particularly in packaging applications.