Optimizing creep behavior of 3d-printed PLA through annealing: Implications for biomedical implants

This study investigates the effect of heat treatment on the creep behavior of 3D printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) components. PLA is a widely used biodegradable and biocompatible polymer in additive manufacturing, particularly in biomedical applications. The creep behavior of PLA components is critical in ensuring their long-term performance and reliability. In this research, PLA samples were printed using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and subjected to annealing at various temperatures (60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, and 100°C) for 5 h followed by furnace cooling at 1–3°C per minute. Hot impression creep tests were conducted at 60°C under load of 1 kg to simulate in vivo loading conditions. Thermal analysis of 3D-printed PLA revealed significant insights regarding its stability and mechanical properties under varying conditions. The study indicates that optimal annealing at 60°C enhances creep resistance, reducing deformation by 75% compared to as-printed samples, while higher annealing temperatures (up to 100°C) improve hardness but reduce creep compliance. Annealing also enhances thermal stability, as evidenced by improved mass retention during thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and distinct thermal events in differential thermal analysis (DTA). This study provides insights into the effect of heat treatment on the creep behavior of 3D printed PLA components, offering preliminary guidance for the design of biomedical implants requiring long-term dimensional stability.