RT journal article
T1 Multimaterial PLA with tailored plasticization using fused deposition modeling for improved flexibility and shape memory recovery
A1 Lazaro-Hdez, Carlos
A1 Valerga Puerta, Ana Pilar
A1 Sanchez Nacher, Lourdes
A1 Ivorra-Martinez, Juan
A1 Boronat, Teodomiro
A2 Ingeniería Mecánica y Diseño Industrial
K1 Multimaterial
K1 Additive Manufacturing
K1 Shape memory
K1 Plasticizer
AB The purpose of this study is to develop and characterize high-performance, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA)-based materials for advanced applications that demand increased flexibility and shape memory capabilities. By introducing triethyl citrate (TEC) as a plasticizer and leveraging multimaterial three-dimensional printing configurations, this research aimed to mitigate PLA’s inherent brittleness and expand its functional range. Additionally, this work sought to optimize design parameters – such as infill orientation and core-shell distribution – to maximize mechanical strength, fracture toughness and shape recovery. Ultimately, this study aspired to broaden PLA’s applicability in fields like biomedical devices, packaging and engineered components.
PB Emerald Insight
YR 2025
FD 2025-04-30
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/36273
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/36273
LA eng
NO The results of this study demonstrated that adding 20 Wt% TEC significantly enhanced elongation at break up to 174% compared to neat PLA with an elongation at break close to 2%. Plasticizer lowered the glass transition temperature from 62°C of neat PLA to around 30°C. Shape memory recovery rate above 80% in core-shell configurations was obtained, while neat PLA exhibited recovery rates around 60%. Multimaterial samples featuring soft cores and rigid shells exhibited balanced stiffness, superior impact energy absorption and more efficient shape recovery than homogeneous counterparts. Improved melt flow indices facilitated better layer adhesion, reducing voids and increasing overall part integrity. These findings underline the potential of combining plasticized PLA and careful material distribution in additive manufacturing applications
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 11-nov-2026