Characteristics of 3D Printing Products Using PLA/Nanographite Nanocomposite Filaments

Abstract

PLA filament has the characteristics of being biodegradable and environmentally friendly. The mechanical properties of PLA filaments have several drawbacks, so the application of PLA filaments is limited. Efforts to improve the mechanical properties are carried out by adding nanographite as reinforcement material so that it becomes a nanocomposite filament. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adding nanographite to PLA filament on the mechanical properties and surface roughness of 3D printed products. The addition of 1.5 wt% nanographite was carried out by dissolving with chloroform and nanocomposite filaments produced from printing with a single extrusion machine. Product printing is done with the parameters print speed of 25 mm/s, print temperature of 205 °C, layer height of 0.2 mm, and infill line directions of 45°. Product characteristics in the form of tensile strength are tested by the tensile tester, filament morphology is observed by SEM, and product surface roughness is observed with a surface roughness tester. Data from the test results were analyzed using the t-test statistical analysis. The results of the study showed that the morphology of the PLA/nanographite nanocomposite filaments showed a rougher surface.