Biodegradation and Characterization of 3‐D Printed PLA ‐Based Polymer Composites Reinforced With Cellulose Based Hemp/Kenaf Fibers and Coconut/Walnut Fillers

ABSTRACT Present investigation explores the cellulosed‐based biofibers like hemp, kenaf, coconut, and walnut with polylactic acid to develop the biocomposites. Hemp, kenaf, coconut, and walnut fillers were fused in filament with polylactic acid (PLA) matrix to use as a filament in 3‐D printing. Biodegradation analysis was performed inside the normal and compost soil for 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. X‐ray diffraction with thermal analysis was performed for samples. Mechanical tests were conducted in the present study to explore the possibility of modern applications. For 100% compost, every composite sample achieved maximum degradation rate. Kenaf/PLA/coconut shell composite shows maximum 7.6% of water absorption. While the incorporation of walnut filler with both (hemp and kenaf) fibers lowers the water uptake. In thermogravimetric analysis, between 300°C and 400°C, maximum deformation of 57.619% was shown by coconut shell/walnut shell/PLA composite, while the minimum was achieved by hemp/PLA/walnut shell composite of 32%. Thermal conductivity of hemp/PLA/walnut shell composite was maximum as 32.14 wm ⁻¹ k ⁻¹ minimum was achieved as 12.29 by coconut shell/walnut shell/PLA composite. Among prepared specimens, hybrid hemp/kenaf/PLA/walnut shell composite exhibits superior tensile strength and impact strength of 70.36 MPa and 21.9 kJ/mm ² . Highest flexural strength of 72.27 MPa was displayed by hybrid hemp/kenaf/PLA/coconut shell composite.