3D Printing of short carbon fiber reinforced poly(lactic acid) and its mechanical properties

Abstract

In the present study, as a preliminary report of the present authors on “On Additive Manufacturing of Green Composites”, poly(lactic acid), PLA, composites, which is reinforced with one kinds of reinforcing fibers in the form of milled filler, i.e., carbon fibers, was molded by melt mixing and then filament extruding processes to make green composite filaments for 3D printing additive manufacturing purposes. From tensile test results of single monofilaments extruded from a FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printer with a nozzle of 1mm diameter, it was found that the milled carbon fibers were able to reinforce PLA, From the scanning electron microscope (SEM) fractography of the fracture surfaces in the present green composites, interface imperfections between PLA matrix and reinforcing fibers except carbon fibers, unevenness of reinforcing fiber distribution as well as existence of resin rich portions in the composites may have affected the present poor results obtained in this preliminary study.