The aim of this study was to develop PLA-based composites suitable for 3D printing by comparing the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), on thermal morphological and mechanical performances. The composites were reinforced with treated sugarcane bagasse (TSCB) and lignin-rich cellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs), and processed using extrusion and injection molding. Thermal analysis showed that PEG and LLDPE increased the crystallinity of PLA, while LLDPE inducing the highest crystallinity values. Also, the isothermal analysis indicates that the materials remained thermally stable, and the addition of LLDPE or PEG led to an increase in the onset temperature for the decomposition, indicating an improved thermal resistance as compared to neat PLA. However, LLDPE composites exhibited a superior mechanical strength and elongation at break. Moreover, SEM observations confirmed a better interfacial compatibility for the LLDPE-plasticized materials. This study thus offers a clearer understanding of how the choice of plasticizer affects the behavior of PLA-fiber composites under processing and functional conditions.
Laaguel et al. (Wed,) studied this question.