Fused deposition modeling of poly (lactic acid)/almond shell composite filaments

In this paper, poly (lactic acid)/almond shell powder (PLA/ASP) composite filaments were prepared using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) method. The influence of chemical treatments on the chemical groups of ASP was determined, and the effects of material ratios (3, 5, 10, and 15 wt%) and sliane concentration (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt%) on thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The optimal ratio in the PLA/ASP composite was observed at 10 wt% ASP and 4 wt% silane. With the optimal processing parameters, the Td0 (onset temperature) and Td1 (the temperature at the maximum degradation rate) of PLA were enhanced. Furthermore, the tensile and compressive strengths of PLA were increased. Finally, porous scaffolds using PA15S4 filament were manufactured, which have a controllable porosity of 10% to 75%, interconnected pores size of 100 to 900 mu m and a satisfy compressive modulus. The results indicated that the PLA/ASP composites have the potential to be used to prepare lighter-weight parts with internal pores by using FDM.