• SAJID N
• Farooque Mursal

Abstract— This piece of research aims to develop sustainable and novel bio composites for 3D printing based on a biodegradable polymer, polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with wood waste, to address challenges in additive manufacturing such as enhancing material performance, reducing production costs and overall environmental impact. The mechanical characteristics of PLA (polylactic acid) and Wood + PLA composite specimens that were 3D printed using a Creality Ender 3 FDM printer at infill densities of 25%, 35%, and 45% were examined. Standardized equipment such as a 50 kN computerized universal testing machine, a 6-tonne conventional universal testing machine, a computerized impact tester (0–100 J range), and a Shore D Durometer were used to test the specimens for tensile strength, compression strength, impact resistance, and hardness. According to tensile tests, PLA demonstrated constant strength at 35% and 45% infill, however Wood + PLA only performed at its best at 35% infill, with a notable decline at 45% infill. Both materials maintained high stiffness in compression tests, with PLA showing better stress resistance. According to impact testing, PLA absorbed more energy than Wood + PLA, which was more brittle because of the wood particles. Comparing PLA to Wood + PLA, hardness tests verified that PLA had greater surface resistance. The findings demonstrate how material composition and infill density affect mechanical performance, with PLA having a higher edge over Wood + PLA in the majority of tests. Nevertheless, Wood + PLA composites have special qualities that make them appropriate for stiff, lightweight applications. In order to improve the mechanical properties of the Wood + PLA composite, future research should concentrate on optimizing the particle dispersion and investigating various wood-to-PLA ratios. The study also shows how low cost and sustainable PLA-based composites produced with natural resources can be used in Additive Manufacturing technology replacing common materials. Refined products with basic raw materials effectively reduce part costs without compromising part characteristics or performance. It also reduces its carbon footprint, becoming more sustainable. There are important advantages when applying these materials in areas requiring good mechanical properties considering their readiness of end-life cycle using composting or even recycling after grinding and processing back into filament form, meaning nothing goes wasted all over life cycle.

3D printing, Sustainable materials, Wood waste, PLA composites

"Sustainable Innovation in 3D Printing: Biodegradable PLA Composites Reinforced with Wood Waste", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 8, page no.f659-f669, August-2021, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2108688.pdf

"Sustainable Innovation in 3D Printing: Biodegradable PLA Composites Reinforced with Wood Waste", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 8, page no. ppf659-f669, August-2021, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2108688.pdf