Multimaterial PLA with tailored plasticization using fused deposition modeling for improved flexibility and shape memory recovery

[EN] Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop and characterize high-performance, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA)-based materials for advanced applications that demand increased flexibility and shape memory capabilities. By introducing triethyl citrate (TEC) as a plasticizer and leveraging...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Lázaro-Hernández, C.|||0009-0002-8250-9363, Sanchez-Nacher, Lourdes|||0000-0002-8627-4576, Ivorra-Martinez, Juan|||0000-0001-8968-4899, Boronat, Teodomiro|||0000-0002-2144-2874, Valerga Puerta, Ana Pilar
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
Repositorio:RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:riunet.upv.es:10251/229159
Acceso en línea:https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/229159
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Multimaterial
Additive manufacturing
Shape memory
Plasticizer
13.- Tomar medidas urgentes para combatir el cambio climático y sus efectos
id ES_88a8532d2b22a38c61dcdfcdf8d55f73
oai_identifier_str oai:riunet.upv.es:10251/229159
network_acronym_str ES
network_name_str España
repository_id_str
dc.title.none.fl_str_mv Multimaterial PLA with tailored plasticization using fused deposition modeling for improved flexibility and shape memory recovery
title Multimaterial PLA with tailored plasticization using fused deposition modeling for improved flexibility and shape memory recovery
spellingShingle Multimaterial PLA with tailored plasticization using fused deposition modeling for improved flexibility and shape memory recovery
Lázaro-Hernández, C.|||0009-0002-8250-9363
Multimaterial
Additive manufacturing
Shape memory
Plasticizer
13.- Tomar medidas urgentes para combatir el cambio climático y sus efectos
title_short Multimaterial PLA with tailored plasticization using fused deposition modeling for improved flexibility and shape memory recovery
title_full Multimaterial PLA with tailored plasticization using fused deposition modeling for improved flexibility and shape memory recovery
title_fullStr Multimaterial PLA with tailored plasticization using fused deposition modeling for improved flexibility and shape memory recovery
title_full_unstemmed Multimaterial PLA with tailored plasticization using fused deposition modeling for improved flexibility and shape memory recovery
title_sort Multimaterial PLA with tailored plasticization using fused deposition modeling for improved flexibility and shape memory recovery
dc.creator.none.fl_str_mv Lázaro-Hernández, C.|||0009-0002-8250-9363
Sanchez-Nacher, Lourdes|||0000-0002-8627-4576
Ivorra-Martinez, Juan|||0000-0001-8968-4899
Boronat, Teodomiro|||0000-0002-2144-2874
Valerga Puerta, Ana Pilar
author Lázaro-Hernández, C.|||0009-0002-8250-9363
author_facet Lázaro-Hernández, C.|||0009-0002-8250-9363
Sanchez-Nacher, Lourdes|||0000-0002-8627-4576
Ivorra-Martinez, Juan|||0000-0001-8968-4899
Boronat, Teodomiro|||0000-0002-2144-2874
Valerga Puerta, Ana Pilar
author_role author
author2 Sanchez-Nacher, Lourdes|||0000-0002-8627-4576
Ivorra-Martinez, Juan|||0000-0001-8968-4899
Boronat, Teodomiro|||0000-0002-2144-2874
Valerga Puerta, Ana Pilar
author2_role author
author
author
author
dc.contributor.none.fl_str_mv Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y de Materiales
 Instituto Universitario de Investigación de Tecnología de los Materiales de la UPV
Escuela Politécnica Superior de Alcoy
European Commission
GENERALITAT VALENCIANA
Agencia Estatal de Investigación
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politècnica de València Riunet
dc.subject.none.fl_str_mv Multimaterial
Additive manufacturing
Shape memory
Plasticizer
13.- Tomar medidas urgentes para combatir el cambio climático y sus efectos
topic Multimaterial
Additive manufacturing
Shape memory
Plasticizer
13.- Tomar medidas urgentes para combatir el cambio climático y sus efectos
description [EN] Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop and characterize high-performance, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA)-based materials for advanced applications that demand increased flexibility and shape memory capabilities. By introducing triethyl citrate (TEC) as a plasticizer and leveraging multimaterial three-dimensional printing configurations, this research aimed to mitigate PLA¿s inherent brittleness and expand its functional range. Additionally, this work sought to optimize design parameters ¿ such as infill orientation and core-shell distribution ¿ to maximize mechanical strength, fracture toughness and shape recovery. Ultimately, this study aspired to broaden PLA¿s applicability in fields like biomedical devices, packaging and engineered components. Design/methodology/approach This study used fused deposition modeling to fabricate single-material and multimaterial (core-shell) samples using PLA blended with TEC at varying concentrations (0¿20 Wt%). Filaments were first compounded and then extruded into 1.75 mm diameter feedstocks. Mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile, flexural and impact tests, while shape memory behavior was quantified by bending-deformation and recovery experiments in heated water. Morphological analyses examined void formation and fracture surfaces via field emission scanning electron microscopy. Thermal transitions and melt flow indices were also characterized to elucidate the influence of plasticizer content. Findings The results of this study demonstrated that adding 20 Wt% TEC significantly enhanced elongation at break up to 174% compared to neat PLA with an elongation at break close to 2%. Plasticizer lowered the glass transition temperature from 62°C of neat PLA to around 30°C. Shape memory recovery rate above 80% in core-shell configurations was obtained, while neat PLA exhibited recovery rates around 60%. Multimaterial samples featuring soft cores and rigid shells exhibited balanced stiffness, superior impact energy absorption and more efficient shape recovery than homogeneous counterparts. Improved melt flow indices facilitated better layer adhesion, reducing voids and increasing overall part integrity. These findings underline the potential of combining plasticized PLA and careful material distribution in additive manufacturing applications. Originality/value This work provides a novel demonstration of how tailored plasticization and multimaterial three-dimensional printing can collectively expand the utility of PLA, bridging the gap between traditional rigidity and the demand for flexible, shape memory-enabled structures. By systematically studying both single-material and core-shell specimens, this research offers key insights into harnessing polymer chain mobility while preserving mechanical strength. In contrast to prior efforts focusing on either plasticization or complex geometries alone, this integrated approach presents a versatile design strategy that can be applied to a wide spectrum of engineering and biomedical solutions.
publishDate 2025
dc.date.none.fl_str_mv 2025
2025-04-30
dc.type.none.fl_str_mv journal article
http://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_6501
VoR
http://purl.org/coar/version/c_970fb48d4fbd8a85
dc.type.openaire.fl_str_mv info:eu-repo/semantics/article
format article
dc.identifier.none.fl_str_mv https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/229159
url https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/229159
dc.language.none.fl_str_mv Inglés
eng
language_invalid_str_mv Inglés
language eng
dc.relation.none.fl_str_mv Generalitat Valenciana https://doi.org/10.13039/501100003359 CIAICO%2F2023%2F253 UTILIZACION DE ACEITE DE SEMILLA DE ALGODON EN FORMULACIONES INDUSTRIALES DE BIOPOLIMEROS Y MATERIALES COMPUESTOS CON REFUERZOS DE FIBRAS VEGETALES
Generalitat Valenciana https://doi.org/10.13039/501100003359 CIGE%2F2023%2F046 Desarrollo de nuevos materiales poliméricos de alto rendimiento medioambientales a partir de la revalorización de residuos agroalimentarios provenientes de la industria de los cítricos bajo el concepto de desarrollo sostenible y economía circular
Generalitat Valenciana https://doi.org/10.13039/501100003359 CIACIF%2F2023%2F244 FABRICACIÓN ADITIVA CON MATERIALES FUNCIONALES: EXPLORACIÓN DE FORMULACIONES DE ÁCIDO POLILÁCTICO Y ADITIVOS NATURALES
Generalitat Valenciana https://doi.org/10.13039/501100003359 CIAPOS%2F2023%2F362 FABRICACION MEDIANTE TECNICAS DE FABRICACION ADITIVA DE ESTRUCTURAS POROSAS PARA SU APLICACION COMO SISTEMAS DE ALMACENAMIENTO TERMOQUIMICO DE ENERGIA SOLAR.
Agencia Estatal de Investigación http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100011033 TED2021-131762A-I00
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100004837 PID2023-152869OB-C22
dc.rights.none.fl_str_mv open access
http://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2
Reconocimiento (by)
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.rights.openaire.fl_str_mv info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
rights_invalid_str_mv open access
http://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2
Reconocimiento (by)
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
eu_rights_str_mv openAccess
dc.format.none.fl_str_mv application/pdf
dc.publisher.none.fl_str_mv Emerald
publisher.none.fl_str_mv Emerald
dc.source.none.fl_str_mv reponame:RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia
instname:Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
instname_str Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
reponame_str RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia
collection RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia
repository.name.fl_str_mv
repository.mail.fl_str_mv
_version_ 1869412568435523584
spelling Multimaterial PLA with tailored plasticization using fused deposition modeling for improved flexibility and shape memory recoveryLázaro-Hernández, C.|||0009-0002-8250-9363Sanchez-Nacher, Lourdes|||0000-0002-8627-4576Ivorra-Martinez, Juan|||0000-0001-8968-4899Boronat, Teodomiro|||0000-0002-2144-2874Valerga Puerta, Ana PilarMultimaterialAdditive manufacturingShape memoryPlasticizer13.- Tomar medidas urgentes para combatir el cambio climático y sus efectos[EN] Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop and characterize high-performance, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA)-based materials for advanced applications that demand increased flexibility and shape memory capabilities. By introducing triethyl citrate (TEC) as a plasticizer and leveraging multimaterial three-dimensional printing configurations, this research aimed to mitigate PLA¿s inherent brittleness and expand its functional range. Additionally, this work sought to optimize design parameters ¿ such as infill orientation and core-shell distribution ¿ to maximize mechanical strength, fracture toughness and shape recovery. Ultimately, this study aspired to broaden PLA¿s applicability in fields like biomedical devices, packaging and engineered components. Design/methodology/approach This study used fused deposition modeling to fabricate single-material and multimaterial (core-shell) samples using PLA blended with TEC at varying concentrations (0¿20 Wt%). Filaments were first compounded and then extruded into 1.75 mm diameter feedstocks. Mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile, flexural and impact tests, while shape memory behavior was quantified by bending-deformation and recovery experiments in heated water. Morphological analyses examined void formation and fracture surfaces via field emission scanning electron microscopy. Thermal transitions and melt flow indices were also characterized to elucidate the influence of plasticizer content. Findings The results of this study demonstrated that adding 20 Wt% TEC significantly enhanced elongation at break up to 174% compared to neat PLA with an elongation at break close to 2%. Plasticizer lowered the glass transition temperature from 62°C of neat PLA to around 30°C. Shape memory recovery rate above 80% in core-shell configurations was obtained, while neat PLA exhibited recovery rates around 60%. Multimaterial samples featuring soft cores and rigid shells exhibited balanced stiffness, superior impact energy absorption and more efficient shape recovery than homogeneous counterparts. Improved melt flow indices facilitated better layer adhesion, reducing voids and increasing overall part integrity. These findings underline the potential of combining plasticized PLA and careful material distribution in additive manufacturing applications. Originality/value This work provides a novel demonstration of how tailored plasticization and multimaterial three-dimensional printing can collectively expand the utility of PLA, bridging the gap between traditional rigidity and the demand for flexible, shape memory-enabled structures. By systematically studying both single-material and core-shell specimens, this research offers key insights into harnessing polymer chain mobility while preserving mechanical strength. In contrast to prior efforts focusing on either plasticization or complex geometries alone, this integrated approach presents a versatile design strategy that can be applied to a wide spectrum of engineering and biomedical solutions.This research is a part of the grant PID2023-152869OB-C22 and the grant TED2021-131762A-I00, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union "NextGenerationEU"/PRTR. The authors also thank Generalitat Valenciana-GVA, grant number CIGE/2023/46 and CIAICO/2023/253, for supporting this work. GVA for funding a postdoc position through the CIAPOS program co-funded by ESF Investing in your future, grant number CIAPOS/2023/362. Microscopy services at UPV are also acknowledged for their help in collecting and analyzing field emission scanning electron microscopy images. GVA for funding a predoc position through the CIACIF program co-funded by ESF Investing in your future, grant number CIACIF/2023/244.EmeraldDepartamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y de Materiales Instituto Universitario de Investigación de Tecnología de los Materiales de la UPVEscuela Politécnica Superior de AlcoyEuropean CommissionGENERALITAT VALENCIANAAgencia Estatal de InvestigaciónMinisterio de Ciencia e InnovaciónRepositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politècnica de València Riunet20252025-04-30journal articlehttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_6501VoRhttp://purl.org/coar/version/c_970fb48d4fbd8a85info:eu-repo/semantics/articleapplication/pdfhttps://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/229159reponame:RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valénciainstname:Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)InglésengGeneralitat Valenciana https://doi.org/10.13039/501100003359 CIAICO%2F2023%2F253 UTILIZACION DE ACEITE DE SEMILLA DE ALGODON EN FORMULACIONES INDUSTRIALES DE BIOPOLIMEROS Y MATERIALES COMPUESTOS CON REFUERZOS DE FIBRAS VEGETALESGeneralitat Valenciana https://doi.org/10.13039/501100003359 CIGE%2F2023%2F046 Desarrollo de nuevos materiales poliméricos de alto rendimiento medioambientales a partir de la revalorización de residuos agroalimentarios provenientes de la industria de los cítricos bajo el concepto de desarrollo sostenible y economía circularGeneralitat Valenciana https://doi.org/10.13039/501100003359 CIACIF%2F2023%2F244 FABRICACIÓN ADITIVA CON MATERIALES FUNCIONALES: EXPLORACIÓN DE FORMULACIONES DE ÁCIDO POLILÁCTICO Y ADITIVOS NATURALESGeneralitat Valenciana https://doi.org/10.13039/501100003359 CIAPOS%2F2023%2F362 FABRICACION MEDIANTE TECNICAS DE FABRICACION ADITIVA DE ESTRUCTURAS POROSAS PARA SU APLICACION COMO SISTEMAS DE ALMACENAMIENTO TERMOQUIMICO DE ENERGIA SOLAR.Agencia Estatal de Investigación http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100011033 TED2021-131762A-I00Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100004837 PID2023-152869OB-C22open accesshttp://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2Reconocimiento (by)http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessoai:riunet.upv.es:10251/2291592026-06-13T07:49:27Z
score 15,812429