Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Emergent Materials, cilt.9, sa.4, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
Polylactic acid (PLA)-based biocomposites reinforced with activated carbon powder (ACP) were fabricated and characterized to evaluate their suitability for additive manufacturing applications. Composites with different ACP content were prepared by mixing a slurry and processing it into filaments using twin-screw extrusion for Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the presence of ACP within the PLA matrix and its uniform dispersion, as well as enhanced structural ordering and the possible nucleation of PLA crystallites on ACP surfaces. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated improved thermal stability for reinforced composites, with increased onset degradation temperatures and higher char residue. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed interfacial interactions between PLA and ACP functional groups, contributing to enhanced adhesion. Mechanical evaluation identified the 90:10 wt% PLA/ACP composition as optimal, showing notable improvements over neat PLA: tensile strength by 55%, flexural strength by 41.5%, compressive strength by 52%, hardness by 43.6%, and impact strength by 147%. These enhancements were attributed to uniform ACP dispersion, strong interfacial bonding, crack-path deflection, and efficient stress transfer. Morphological analysis supported these results, showing minimal agglomeration at optimal filler loading. The optimized composite exhibited excellent filament quality and printability, thus validating its potential for application. The 90:10 PLA/ACP composite in particular demonstrated a combination of strength, toughness, thermal stability and wear resistance that is ideal for functional, load-bearing 3D-printed components in the automotive, aerospace, and consumer products industries.