Reinforcement of polylactic acid parts manufactured additively by material extrusion method by adding monofilament polyester mesh interlayers

Abstract

This study investigates the use of monofilament polyester mesh interlayers to enhance the mechanical performance of PLA parts produced by fused filament fabrication (FFF). Through tensile and bending tests conducted on samples manufactured with varying numbers of reinforcement layers (0, 1, 2) and extrusion temperatures (210 degrees C, 230 degrees C, 250 degrees C), it was determined that extrusion temperature significantly influences mechanical properties; low temperatures led to insufficient adhesion issues, while increasing temperatures generally improved strength. It was also found that polyester mesh reinforcement particularly increased tensile strength at low temperatures, but this effect diminished or became negative at higher temperatures. In conclusion, this research suggests that the incorporation of reinforcement mesh interlayers in FFF offers a promising hybrid approach to improve mechanical properties with proper parameter selection.