Enhancing Corrosion Resistance and Mechanical Strength of 3D-Printed Iron Polylactic Acid for Marine Applications via Laser Surface Texturing

The corrosion susceptibility and limited mechanical properties of 3D-printed iron polylactic acid (Ir-PLA) pose challenges to its application in demanding environments, particularly in marine settings. This study investigates the potential of laser surface texturing (LST) to mitigate corrosion and enhance the mechanical performance of Ir-PLA 3D printed by fused deposition modeling for saline conditions, in which the fabricated materials are exposed to the seawater environment. A design of experiment approach is employed to systematically evaluate the effects of laser power and scanning speed on surface roughness, contact angle, and tensile test as mechanical properties. Results demonstrate that LST can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of Ir-PLA, with optimal parameters reducing surface degradation by up to 80%. Furthermore, the laser-treated samples exhibit a substantial increase in mechanical properties, with tensile strength improving by an average of 25% and ductility increasing by 15%, attributed to the microstructural modifications and patterned surface texture induced by the LST process. The findings highlight the potential of LST as a powerful tool for tailoring the surface characteristics and mechanical behavior of 3D-printed Ir-PLA in the seawater-simulated environment, opening new possibilities for its use in marine applications.