Enhancing Mechanical Properties of PLA Filaments through Orange Peel Powder Reinforcement: Optimization of 3D Printing Parameters

This study investigates the augmentation of the mechanical properties of Polylactic Acid (PLA) filaments by incorporating Orange Peel Powder (OPP) as an eco-friendly filler for 3D printing applications. The study delves into optimizing the printing parameters to achieve enhanced mechanical characteristics while maintaining printability. Various 3D printing process parameters were analyzed systematically to assess their impact on tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance. A thorough investigation was conducted to determine the impact of layer height, infill density, and printing speed on the overall mechanical properties of the printed specimens. The findings demonstrate that adding 25% OPP significantly enhances the mechanical strength of the PLA composite without compromising printability, with optimal concentration and printing parameters identified. Thermo gravimetric study reveals that the PLA/OPP composite filament has a higher maximum thermal degradation temperature of 329 °C, compared to the PLA’s temperature of 316 °C. This research contributes to advancing the development of sustainable and mechanically robust materials for additive manufacturing, offering insights into the fabrication of PLA-based biodegradable composites tailored for specific applications in various industries.