ABSTRACT In this study, polylactide‐based composites reinforced with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs, CNT) with the addition of two types of polydimethylsiloxanes (SF—silicone fluid) were fabricated and characterized. The research aimed to improve the impact strength and thermal resistance of PLA, a thermoplastic commonly used in FDM 3D printing. Composites with different concentrations of MWCNTs with and without organosilicon modifier compounds were prepared via extrusion and processed using FDM and injection molding techniques. A comprehensive evaluation of mechanical, thermal, and structural properties was performed. The results revealed that CNT/SF enhanced the dispersion within the PLA matrix, reduced agglomeration, and improved processability, particularly increasing the melt flow rate. Notably, an impact strength increase of over 140% was achieved for injection‐molded samples at 1 wt% CNT/SF content. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis confirmed improved thermal stability, with a degradation temperature increase of up to 23°C. The findings demonstrate that even small amounts of (0.1–0.2 wt%) SF/nanotubes can effectively reinforce PLA composites, enhancing their mechanical performance while maintaining thermal resistance, which is promising for structural applications fabricated by additive and injection‐based technologies. The results indicate the importance of proper CNTs modifier selection and its key role in enhancement of some parameters, which is not possible when neat CNTs are used to modify PLA.
Sztorch et al. (2025) studied this question.
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