Effect of Fe3O4 Content on Mechanical Performance of PLA/APHA Composites

Abstract

The study explores the design and mechanical characteristics of biodegradable PLA/PHA composite in the form of additive manufacturing materials by incorporating magnetic iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles. The weight ratios of PLA and PHA were combined at 75/25 and Fe₃O₄ at different weight concentrations (0-20 wt.%) to observe their impact on mechanical performance. The composite filament was obtained with the help of a single screw extruder equipment, and 3D-printed in the conditions of controlled working conditions of the FDM. Tensile, flexural, and impact tests were performed in accordance with the ASTM standards. The findings indicate that reinforcing Fe₃O₄ makes the PLA/PHA mixture have considerable tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and flexural rigidity up to optimum composites of about 10-15 wt.%. Modulus and flexural properties showed a similar positive change, but tensile strength, which was 35 MPa with the neat blend, improved to more than 42 MPa with 15 wt.% of Fe₃O₄. It was, however, found that ductility reduced with increasing filler loading because of the stiffness produced by the particles and the reduced chain mobility. The strength of the impact increased progressively with the content of Fe₃O_4, with a maximum content of about 8 kJ/m² at 20 wt.%, suggesting improvement in toughness via improved energy dissipation and crack resistance. The addition of the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles offers moderate enhancement in stiffness, strength, and toughness, making the PLA/PHA/Fe₃O₄ composites a promising sustainable material that can be used in further FDM and possibly 4D printing.