Polyhydroxybutyrate/polylactic acid blends: An alternative feedstock for 3D printed bone scaffold model
Jiratchaya Surisaeng, Warrayut Kanabenja, Nichaphat Passornraprasit, Chuanchom Aumnate, Pranut Potiyaraj
Abstract
Abstract In this research, we developed 3D printing filaments from polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends to further its use in a fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing technique as an alternative feedstock for manufacturing bone scaffold model. The filaments were fabricated with blending ratios of PHB/PLA at 100/0, 90/10, 70/30, 50/50, 30/70, 10/90, and 0/100 %wt. using an extrusion process. Furthermore, 10 phr of polypropylene glycol (PPG) was added as a processing aid to enhance the processability. The results of MFR showed that the suitable temperature for 3D printing of all blended filaments is 190 °C. The changes in thermal properties indicate the partial compatibility between PHB and PLA in the blends. PLA plays a vital role in improving the mechanical properties of PHB. 3D printing filament from PHB/PLA blends has been successfully developed.