Session: DFMLC-03-03: Design for Additive Manufacturing

Paper Number: 148071

148071 - Effects of Polymer Recycling on Thermal, Mechanical, and Rheological Properties of Pla 

     Environmental concerns regarding the poor recyclability of traditional petroleum-based plastics have motivated scientists to pursue alternatives such as biobased polymeric materials. Polylactic acid (PLA), is a widely used biopolymer with properties that mimic, or in some cases, are superior to those of traditional, petroleum-based plastics. PLA is widely used for fused deposition modeling 3D printing due to its ease of processability, low manufacturing cost, and abundance. In order to lessen the environmental burden associated with the production, disposal, and poor recyclability of plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, our study aims to investigate the feasibility of recycling PLA as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. In our work, neat PLA filament is reprocessed via extrusion, followed by 3D printing for a total of five cycles. Effects of reprocessing on thermal properties of the filament and 3D printed materials were assessed via TGA and DSC, and thermomechanical properties were studied via DMA and tensile testing. The effects of recycling PLA on the molecular weight and rheological properties were investigated via GPC and melt flow rheology, respectively. We concluded that the favorable properties of PLA are not significantly altered by mechanical recycling, and the methodologies employed in our work proved to be successful in sustainable polymer recycling. 

Presenting Author: Zachary Tucker Rowan University

Presenting Author Biography: Zachary, a dedicated mechanical engineering student at Rowan University, adeptly balances his academic pursuits with part-time employment and a work-study role. While receiving an associate degree in Physics Engineering at Salem Community College, he volunteered for the same First Robotics Competition team he participated in during his time at Arthur P. Schalick High School. Proficient in various CAD software, he holds certification as a SolidWorks Professional. Zach continued his hobby of Additive Manufacturing and brought it into his educational opportunities at Rowan, further enriching his academic journey.

Authors:

Zachary Tucker Rowan University
Emma Benkovic Rowan University
Shayne Michot Rowan University
Jeremy Reilly Rowan University
Najah Mhesn Rowan University
Paromita Nath Rowan University