Optimizing the mechanical properties of 3D-printed PLA-graphene composite using response surface methodology

Purpose: This work aims to study the relationship between various processing parameters to fabricate PLA-graphene based 3D parts with high mechanical properties. The selected parameters in this study are known for their critical impact on the final properties of printed parts. Design/methodology/approach: Three key printing parameters are simultaneously studied in a systematic manner using central composite design (CCD). The selected printing parameters are printing temperature, printing speed, and layer thickness. Findings: Through a variance analysis, all tested printing parameters significantly impact the final properties of printed PLA-graphene’s parts. A response surface methodology (RSM) was also applied to analyse the results and to optimize the tensile and the flexural properties. According to this latter methodology, the optimum factor levels are found at 200°C printing temperature, 34.65 mm s-1 printing speed and 0.2 mm layer thickness. Research limitations/implications: Results indicate that layer thickness and printing speed are the dominant contributors to tensile and flexural properties. Originality/value: As one of the few polymers loaded with nanoparticles available, polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced graphene was selected in this study as a base material for FFF 3D printing process. A response surface methodology was applied to analyse the results and to maximize the tensile and flexural properties of 3D printed PLA-graphene composite.