Effect of process-based strategies on anaerobic digestion of 3D-printing-derived polylactic acid: biogas production and mechanistic interpretation

Key Points

• This research aims to explore the effects of process-based strategies on the anaerobic digestion of 3D-printing-derived polylactic acid (PLA) for improved biogas production.
• Compared effects of micro-aeration, Fenton, and thermo-alkaline strategies on anaerobic digestion.
• Analyzed PLA degradation using FT-IR, DSC, and viscometry.
• Measured biomethane production as a key outcome.
• Thermo-alkaline pretreatment increased biomethane production to 360 mL/g PLA.
• FT-IR, DSC, and viscometry revealed mechanisms of PLA degradation.
• 3D printing was shown to increase PLA's susceptibility to thermo-alkaline hydrolysis.