Combined effects of plasticizers and D-lactide content on the mechanical and morphological behavior of polylactic acid.

Nowadays, research into environmentally friendly, renewable materials is the focus of materials science. One of the best candidates for these purposes is polylactic acid (PLA), whose properties are determined mainly by its D-lactide content. PLA is often plasticized to achieve proper toughness.

Development of electrically conductive hybrid composites with a poly(lactic acid) matrix, with enhanced toughness for injection molding, and material extrusion-based additive manufacturing.

In this study, we developed electrically conductive nano- and hybrid composites with a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix for different melt processing technologies. We used short carbon fiber and multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforcements to enhance electric conductivity. We prepared the composite compounds with twin-screw extrusion; then the compounds were processed via injection molding and fused filament fabrication.