Development of Environmentally Friendly Composite Materials for 3D Modeling

Abstract

In the machine parts industry, manufacturing with 3D printers that use resin materials is attracting attention because of the demand for complex-shaped products and small-lot production. Although this method does not require a mold, many of the resin materials are petroleum-based resins, and environmental problems are a concern. Therefore, in this study, PLA, which has carbon-neutral properties, was used as the main material. In order to suppress heat generation when used as a mechanical part, a compound containing MoS₂, known as a solid lubricant, is used. PLA pellets and MoS₂ powder were kneaded in a desktop kneader, formed into wire-like filaments, and shaped into tensile test pieces with a 3D printer using a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). In the tensile test, as the amount of MoS₂ added increases, the contact area of PLA, which is thought to be due to strength, decreases. Therefore, the tensile strength decreased. On the other hand, the shorter the heat-kneading time of the composite material, the more suppressed the thermal deterioration of PLA and the higher the tensile strength. It is presumed that PLA composite materials with high thermal conductivity combined with MoS₂ are greatly affected by thermal deterioration due to heating during kneading.