PLA Samples Research Articles

Additive Manufacturing of Anatomical Poly(d,l-lactide) Scaffolds

Poly(lactide) (PLA) is one of the most investigated semicrystalline polymers for material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing (AM) techniques based on polymer melt processing. Research on its application for the development of customized devices tailored to specific anatomical parts of the human body can provide new personalized medicine strategies. This research activity was aimed at testing a new multifunctional AM system for the design and fabrication by MEX of anatomical and dog-bone-shaped PLA samples with different infill densities and deposition angles. In particular, a commercial PLA filament was employed to validate the computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) process for the development of scaffold prototypes modeled on a human bone defect. Physical-chemical characterization of the obtained samples by 1H-NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated a small reduction of polymer molecular weight (~5%) due to thermal processing, as well as that the commercial polymer employed was a semicrystalline poly(d,l-lactide). Mechanical characterization highlighted the possibility of tuning elastic modulus and strength, as well as the elongation at break up to a 60% value by varying infill parameters.

Influencing the Shape Recovery and Thermomechanical Properties of 3DP PLA Using Smart Textile and Boehmite Alumina and Thermochromic Dye Modifiers

The technology of 4DP utilizes shape memory materials (SMMs). Among the SMMs, SMP is the material that has potential and is ideal for this technology. However, due to their restrictions, fillers are incorporated to produce a novel shape memory polymer composite (SMPC). The objective of the present work was to investigate how the modification of PLA via the incorporation of boehmite alumina and thermochromic dye, and the use of 3DP on polyester fabric to make smart material textiles (SMT), influenced the shape-memory properties of printed objects. SMPCs with 3 wt% BA particles were prepared by means of the fused deposition modelling (FDM) process, with heat used as an actuation. It was demonstrated that sample thickness and the method of PLA modification affected the shape recovery of 3D-printed objects. All neat PLA samples recovered their angle fully for all thicknesses, while modified PLA incorporated with BA particles and dye recovered its initial angle fully at 1 mm thickness and showed less recovery for 1.5- and 2 mm-thicknesses. The 1 mm-thick sample was then chosen for printing onto the textile material for all samples. When printed onto the fabric, the neat PLA and SMPCs recovered their initial shapes fully, while samples with the dye added into the PLA and SMPC did not recover their initial shape fully due to the presence of the dye, which hindered the movement of the polymer chains. SEM revealed good layer bonding for the SMPCs compared to the neat PLA, which led to improved mechanical properties. The thermal stability of PLA was improved by the BA particles; furthermore, the dye and BA particles nucleated the crystallization of PLA, resulting in an enhanced storage modulus. Overall, a biodegradable 3D-printed object of 1 mm in thickness with improved thermal and mechanical properties was produced, with and without the use of the textile.

Enhancing Tensile Strength and Toughness via Moderate Orientation of Amorphous Molecular Chains in Biobased Biodegradable Poly(lactic acid)

The preparation of high-toughness and high-strength poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is of great significance for promoting its application in packing, construction, and medical fields. Compared to blending with polymeric elastomers, hot stretching is an effective method to improve the toughness of PLA without sacrificing its strength. However, it is still unclear which part of the structural change after hot stretching is responsible for the increased toughness of PLA. In this work, the semicrystalline structure and mechanical properties of the PLA samples stretched at different temperatures were studied. First, the semicrystalline structure of the PLA samples was studied by combining differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray diffraction analyses. When the stretching temperature was relatively low (e.g., 65 °C), the mesophase, an intermediate phase between crystal and amorphous, was formed. Furthermore, significant stretch-induced crystallization was observed due to the enhanced chain mobility when the stretching temperature was 65–75 °C. With further increasing the stretching temperature, the crystallinity of the PLA samples decreased sharply to nearly 0 due to the rapid chain relaxation. Intriguingly, the PLA samples stretched at 85 °C showed the highest elongation at break 238.4% and high strength 75.8 MPa, which was attributed to its moderate molecular chain orientation not only hindering physical aging but also retaining the entanglement network of PLA molecular chains. The findings in this work provide an insightful understanding of the improved toughness of PLA, which will facilitate the large-scale practical application of PLA.

Parametric Optimization of FDM Process for Improving Mechanical Strengths Using Taguchi Method and Response Surface Method: A Comparative Investigation

In the present study, a comparison of two widely used optimization approaches for fused deposition modeling (FDM), that is, Taguchi method in contrast with response surface method (RSM), was investigated. Four operating parameters, namely extrusion temperature, layer thickness, raster width, print speed, and their interaction terms, were identified as control variables with three levels, while tensile strength and compressive strength were selected responses. L27 orthogonal array and face-centered central composite design (FCCCD) were used for the experimental approach for Taguchi and RSM, respectively. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to find the optimal FDM parameter combination as well as the main factor that affect the performance of the PLA samples. Based on experimental results, it was observed that conclusions about significant ranking of parameters on FDM process from these two methods were different. However, both the Taguchi method and RSM succeed in predicting better results compared with the original groups. In addition, the optimum combinations for tensile strength and compressive strength obtained from the RSM were 2.11% and 8.15% higher than Taguchi method, respectively.

Shape memory properties of 3D‐printed self‐expandable poly(lactic acid) vascular stents with long‐chain branched structures

AbstractThe shape memory properties (SMP) of long‐chain branched poly(lactic acid) (b‐PLA) vascular stent prepared through 3D‐printed technologies are studied by comparison with PLA. SMP is expected to endow vascular stent smart properties of self‐expanding stent, which could self‐expand and support the stenosis after reaching the lesion. The shape recovery rate of the b‐PLA samples at 60°C reaches to 93%, which is much higher than that of the PLA samples with 26%. The two‐cycle deformation‐recovery test of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) shows that the shape recovery rate of b‐PLA samples at 60°C reaches 98% in the first and second cycle, suggesting the good SMP. Meanwhile, the 3D‐printed b‐PLA vascular stent could recover to initial shape within 22 s, while the PLA vascular stent could not recover to initial shape after shape deformation at 60°C. Furthermore, Two‐dimensional wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction analysis (2D‐WXRD) diffraction results confirm that both PLA and b‐PLA samples exhibit two bright diffraction spots of (200)/(100) plane, and 2D‐SAXS scattering patterns changed from uniform scattering rings to the spindle‐shaped pattern after shape deformation. After shape recovery at 60°C, the 2D‐WXRD diffraction and two‐dimensional small‐angle X‐ray scattering analysis (2D‐SAXS) scattering patterns of the PLA samples remain no change, while b‐PLA samples recover to initial patterns and exhibit diffuse diffraction rings and uniform scattering rings, respectively, long period (Lac) decrease and lamellae thickness (Lc) maintain constant. The above results verify the excellent SMP of b‐PLA vascular stent as well as self‐expandable properties, which mainly ascribing to the combined action of branched entanglement points and lamellae as stationary phase. Besides, cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assays, cell live/dead staining and cell nuclei/cytoskeleton staining prove the good cell compatibility of b‐PLA stent before and after SMP.

Experimental Set-Up of the Production Process and Mechanical Characterization of Metal Foams Manufactured by Lost-PLA Technique with Different Cell Morphology

A flexible and versatile method for manufacturing open-cell metal foams, called lost-PLA, is presented in this work. With a double extruder 3D printer (FDM, Ultimaker S3, Utrecht, The Netherlands), it is possible to make polymer-based samples of the lost model. Through CAD modeling, different geometries were replicated so as to get black PLA samples. This method combines the advantages of rapid prototyping with the possibility of manufacturing Al-alloy specimens with low time to market. The production process is articulated in many steps: PLA foams are inserted into an ultra-resistant plaster mix, after which the polymer is thermally degraded. The next step consists of the gravity casting of the EN-6082 alloy in the plaster form, obtaining metal foams that are interesting from a technological point of view as well as with respect to their mechanical properties. These foam prototypes can find application in the automotive, civil and aeronautical fields due to their high surface/weight ratio, making them optimal for heat exchange and for the ability to absorb energy during compression. The main aspects on which we focus are the set-up of the process parameters and the characterization of the mechanical properties of the manufactured samples. The main production steps are examined at first. After that, the results obtained for mechanical performance during static compression tests with different geometry porosities are compared and discussed. The foam with truncated octahedron cells was found to show the highest absorbed energy/relative density ratio.

Conformal Satellite Tanks—Printed Plastics and Fluid Interactions

Initial experiments in the design process of a novel 3D printed conformal propellant tank for small satellites are conducted. Contact angle measurements of static colored water droplets on printed PLA, PMMA, and PETG sample plates are performed. Additionally, the optical characteristics of transparent printed tanks of two to five millimeter wall thickness and with three illumination setups are evaluated. The results indicate that the influence of fluorescein as a colorant in the useful concentration only slightly affects the contact angle measurements. The combination of well scattered UV light and use the smallest possible wall thicknesses, on the order of two millimeters, made out of PLA provides the best visibility. These findings enable the development of a printed conformal tank design with an integrated PMD.

Hydrazide-hydrazone-modified polyamide as reinforcement and dispersion aid for poly(lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites

Hydrazide-hydrazone based polyamide (HHPA) was synthesized from an aromatic diamine containing hydrazide-hydrazone group and dodecanedioic acid via direct polycondensation. The surface modified hydroxyapatite (SMHA) was prepared using a modification process of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAN) with imine functionalized polyethyleneimine (FPEI). The new pol(ylactic acid) (PLA)/HAN/HHPA nanocomposites with increased heat and combustion resistance, and improved mechanical and gas barrier properties were fabricated using solution casting method. The structure and morphology of the prepared PLA nanocomposites were evaluated using FTIR, FE-SEM, and XRD techniques. The synergistic effect of SMHA and HHPA was studied on the heat and combustion resistance, gas barrier properties, and mechanical strength of PLA. The findings exhibited that HAN was homogeneously dispersed in the PLA polymeric network, due to the excellent interfacial interactions. The TGA results of nanocomposites revealed that PLA containing 3 mass% of each SMHA and HHPA additives, named PHP6, offers more heat resistance, in both N2 and air environment, compared to the neat PLA. According to the MCC results, the heat release rate peaks reduced from 555 W/g to 357 W/g for PLA containing 6 mass% of each SMHA and HHPA additives, named PHP12. From mechanical test, the tensile strength of PHP6 was obtained 88.27 MPa, which was 48 MPa higher than the neat PLA. Furthermore, the gas barrier studies for CO2 and N2 indicated that the incorporation of both HHPA and SMHA results in reduced permeability and solubility coefficients compared to the neat PLA, where PHP2 and PHP6 samples outperform other samples.

An Investigation on the Hardness of Polylactic Acid Parts Fabricated via Fused Deposition Modeling.

This paper investigated the hardness property of the fused deposition modeling (FDM)-printed PLA samples via different process parameters of printing and raster angles. The hardness data were sampled from the flat and edge surfaces of the samples. In addition, the effect of hardness characters after the ultraviolet (UV) curing process was analyzed. Furthermore, this research found that the printing and raster angles significantly affected the hardness value of the PLA part, which slightly increased after the UV irradiation. Moreover, the results of this study will provide a reference for the field of FDM application.

Influence of process parameters on mechanical strength, build time, and material consumption of 3D printed polylactic acid parts

AbstractThe purpose of the study is to examine and analyze the effect of different process parameters of fused deposition modeling process, namely, nozzle diameter, build orientation, infill density, raster pattern, layer height, and print speed on the response variables, namely, tensile strength, build time, and material consumption. Taguchi L27 orthogonal array experimental design has been adopted to print the PLA samples for experimental investigation. The optimum values of process parameters are obtained from the signal‐to‐noise ratio values of responses. The performed confirmation tests revealed that optimum process parameters combination determined through Taguchi method improves the tensile strength, reduce the build time, and material consumption significantly. Confirmation from analysis of variance (ANOVA) results revealed that the build orientation and nozzle diameter are the most influential process parameters for all the considered responses. The infill density is found to be an influential process parameter for material consumption. Further, the developed regression models for prediction of response characteristics and normal probability plots show significance of coefficients for predicted models. Results from the confirmation test revealed that the PLA part printed with optimum settings ((Nd)3‐(Bo)3‐(Id)3‐(Rp)1‐(Lh)2‐(Ps)1)) for tensile strength shows maximum tensile strength of 61.24 MPa with an improvement of 6.26%. Similarly, the part printed with the optimum settings ((Nd)3‐(Bo)1‐(Id)2‐(Rp)1‐(Lh)3‐(Ps)3) for build time takes 0.32 h of time with a reduction of 8.57%. The part printed with the optimum settings ((Nd)1‐(Bo)1‐(Id)1‐(Rp)2‐(Lh)1‐(Ps)2) for material consumption consumes material of 7.6 g with a reduction of 2.56%. Fracture mechanics results depict that variation of process parameters during the fabrication of samples has significant influence on the tensile strength.

An Investigation on Dimensional Accuracy of 3D Printed PLA, PET-G and ABS Samples with Different Layer Heights

In this study, the effect of filament type and layer height on the dimensional accuracy of the 3D printed tensile test samples from PLA, PET-G, and ABS was investigated in depth. Based on the fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology, tensile test samples were produced with various layer heights (0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, and 0.4 mm) while the other printing parameters were kept constant, except for nozzle and building platform temperature. Length, width, and height values of the produced test samples were measured, and obtained results were compared with design dimensions to observe the dimensional accuracy of each sample. Also, surface roughness measurements were performed on the samples to examine their final surface quality. From dimensional measurements, it was seen that the most accurate results were recorded for PET-G (in length and height) and PLA (in width) samples. Furthermore, the best surface quality was attained in PLA samples compared to other filaments.

Mechanical, Dynamic-Mechanical, Thermal and Decomposition Behavior of 3D-Printed PLA Reinforced with CaCO3 Fillers from Natural Resources.

This study evaluates the effect of CaCO3 fillers extracted from waste eggshells on 3D-printed PLA performance. Samples of neat PLA and PLA reinforced with CaCO3 fillers embedded with different wt.% were prepared using an FDM (fused deposition modeling) technology. The samples were examined using mechanical, dynamic mechanical, thermal, and thermal decomposition analyses. The results revealed increasing elastic moduli, tensile strength, and flexure as the filler content increased. The rheological results from the MFR tests showed that the filler content did not influence the PLA-based samples’ processability. Further, the thermal degradation of neat and various CaCO3-wt.%-reinforced PLA specimens revealed relatively small discrepancies in their exposure to the temperature increase, mainly concerning the eggshell organic components and volatile components, from their processability up to 300 °C. By contrast, the increased filler content positively shifted the peaks along the temperature scale at the maximum degradation rate. Additionally, the weight content of the natural reinforcement strongly influenced the surface wettability and appearance of the samples. Further, the SEM analysis featured both the presence of interlayer disturbances and the interfacial compatibility the PLA with the selected fillers.

Self-assembled archaea bio-coatings in thermal-fluids systems: A study on adhesion optimization and energy efficiency

In this study, adhesion optimization was performed for archaea bio-coatings to be used in thermal-fluids systems. For this, Sulfolobus Solfataricus P2 archaea was coated onto silicon wafer substrate surfaces by polyelectrolyte adhesive layers made of Poly-l-Lysine and Poly-l-Arginine. Polyelectrolyte adsorption is a self-assembling phenomenon where the oppositely charged layers are electrostatically attracted to each other. We herein report the coating performance of samples prepared with two different coating methodologies: Layer-by-Layer and mixed coating. Samples were optimized with respect to thickness and durability by varying the polyelectrolyte concentration, salt concentration, and mixture ratios. A closed loop system was prepared to test the durability of the coated samples against fluid flow, and Atomic Force Microscopy and Surface Profilometer techniques were utilized to characterize the topology and thickness of the samples before and after each test. The results reveal the existence of an optimal configuration for the mixed coated samples, where adding excess charged groups shifted the force balance to either the negative or positive side, decreasing adhesion in both cases. Increasing the ionic strength of the solution resulted in 17% and 20% increases in coating thickness for PLL and PLA samples, respectively. However, in some cases, samples appeared to have worsened durability. After the durability tests, the samples were used to evaluate the heat transfer performance of the coatings in a real thermal-fluids system. The obtained results show enhancements more than 20% in boiling heat transfer.

Effect of synthesized sulfonate derivatives as nucleating agents on crystallization behavior of poly(lactic acid)

ABSTRACT The improvement of the crystallization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the key areas to allow PLA to perform better at higher temperature and load bearing. Due to its slow crystallization rate, either organic or inorganic nucleating agents (NAs) can be used to improve the crystallization rate of PLA. In the case of organic NAs, aromatic sulfonate salt and bisamide compounds are promising ones because they can control better clarity. The aim of this work was to study the crystallization behavior of PLA using as-synthesized dimethyl 5-sulfoisophthalate sodium salt (SSIPA) as a nucleating agent in comparison with the commercial sulfonate salt (LAK-301). Two grades of PLA (PLA L105 and PLA 3251D) were used in this study. PLA samples were prepared by internal mixer and compression molding. All samples were investigated by DSC and POM. The results from DSC showed that after introducing the nucleating agents into PLA, the crystallinity in all samples was improved. The highest crystallinity at 57.48% was obtained from PLA L105/SSIPA1.0. Isothermal crystallization kinetics showed the improvement in overall crystallization rate of PLA with nucleating agents. The lowest half time crystallization obtained was 1.19 min for PLA L105/SSIPA1.0 at 135 °C. The results from POM indicated the substantial increase of the nucleus density and smaller spherulite size upon adding nucleating agents.

Not all 3D-printed bolus is created equal: Variation between 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) bolus samples sourced from external manufacturers.

IntroductionPolylactic acid (PLA) is a promising material for customised bolus 3D‐printing in radiotherapy, however variations in printing techniques between external manufacturers could increase treatment uncertainties. This study aimed to assess consistency across various 3D‐printed PLA samples from different manufacturers.MethodsSample prints of dimensions 5 × 5 × 1 cm with 100% infill were acquired from multiple commercial 3D‐printing services. All samples were CT scanned to determine average Hounsfield unit (HU) values and physical densities. The coefficient of equivalent thickness (CET) was obtained for both photons and electrons and dose attenuation compared to TPS calculations in Elekta Monaco v5.11.ResultsSome samples showed warped edges up to 1.5 mm and extensive internal radiological defects only detectable with CT scanning. Physical densities ranged from 1.06 to 1.22 g cm−3 and HU values ranged from −5.1 to 221.0 HU. Measured CET values varied from 0.95 to 1.17 and TPS dose calculations were consistent with the variation in CET. Electron R50 and R90 shifted by up to 2 mm for every 1 cm of printed bolus, a clinically significant finding. Photon surface dose varied by up to 3%, while depth doses were within 1%.Conclusions3D‐printed PLA can have considerable variability in density, HU and CET values between samples and manufacturers. Centres looking to outsource 3D‐printed bolus would benefit from clear, open communication with manufacturers and undertake stringent QA examination prior to implementation into the clinical environment.

ScCO2-assisted fabrication and compressive property of poly (lactic acid) foam reinforced by in-situ polytetrafluoroethylene fibrils

As an effective alternative for petrochemical-based polymers, bio-based poly (lactic acid) (PLA) foam has been anticipated to alleviate enormous environmental pollution caused by microplastics. However, some difficulties involved in PLA foaming process due to the inherently poor melt strength and crystallization properties. In this context, a small amount of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was incorporated into PLA matrix to solve the aforementioned issues. Scanning electron microscopy measurement exhibited that PTFE fibrils and their physical networks were formed in molten PLA after blending. Due to these PTFE networks, approximately 2 orders of magnitudes increment in the storage modulus and more than 20% improvement in crystallinity of PLA were obtained. Diverse PLA samples were successfully foamed by a cost-effective, green and supercritical CO2-assisted foaming method. The PLA/PTFE foam with the PTFE content of 5 wt% (PLA/PTFE5) possessed the smallest pore size (9.51 μm) and the highest pore density (2.60 × 108 pores/cm3). In addition, the average specific compressive strength of PLA/PTFE5 foam was enhanced 30% in comparison with that of pure PLA foam. Overall, this study could provide a prospective strategy for developing bioderived and biodegradable polymer foams with controllable pore structures and high compression property.

Mathematical Models for Predicting the Mechanical Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid) for Load-Bearing Applications

In order to widen the areas of application of poly (lactic acid) (PLA), there has been a multiplicity of experiments. This study attempts to develop mathematical models for predicting the mechanical properties of PLA to reduce the number of experimental runs and material wastage. The melt-cast method produced unreinforced PLA samples with different slenderness ratios (λ) in triplicate using. The samples were subjected to a compression test to obtain the mechanical properties captured at three main points on the stress-strain curve: yield, ultimate stress, and fracture. Regression models were developed from the data obtained at the three points, and their validity was examined by testing them against the previous relevant experimental studies from various authors. The coefficient of determination (R2) and coefficient of correlation (ρ) was also examined for each model to establish their degree of correctness further. Analyses show that the developed models give reasonable approximations of some of the properties examined. The mass (M) and the modulus of elasticity (E) were the most accurately predictable properties with [R2, ρ] of [99.97%, 0.9998] and [91.55%, 0.9568], respectively. Results also show that apart from the melt-cast method, the compressive modulus of PLA (both circular and rectangular cross-sections test samples) produced via injection molding and fused filament fabrication can be predicted with near accuracy using the model developed in this study. This study gives researchers the tools needed to avoid material wastage by having close-to-real values of the mechanical properties of PLA through prediction before carrying out any experiment.

The lanolin‐based oil plasticized polylactide: Thermal and chemical characteristics

AbstractBio‐based plasticizers are a significant replacement for petrochemical‐based plasticizers because they are from renewable resources. The plasticizing effect of lanolin‐based oil at a different concentration and as an additive on polylactide's thermal and chemical stability (PLA) was investigated. The thermal stability was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The plasticized PLA samples were also analyzed with a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), X‐ray powder diffraction (powder XRD), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The plasticizer modified the thermal stability of the PLA polymer by increasing the cold crystallization temperature (Tcc), as shown by DSC. At the same time, the DMA data indicated a reduction in the dynamic storage modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) with increased amounts of plasticizer content. The powder X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that the PLA has no polymorphic crystalline transition with the oil plasticizer. The analysis from the results shows the oil additive's potential as a bio‐based plasticizer for PLA However, further performance improvements are required for large‐scale production. From the results obtained, there are enhancements in the thermal and physical properties of the modified PLA, and it is suitable for composite production.

The Influence of the Gradient Infill of PLA Samples Produced with the FDM Technique on Their Mechanical Properties.

Three-dimensional printing is a dynamically developing field of industry. Its main advantage is the small amount of waste, no need to use specialized tools, and easy control of the mechanical properties of the printed model. One of the most popular techniques of 3D printing is FDM. The main factor influencing the mechanical properties of 3D-printed materials is the filling density. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanical properties of porous structures with a porosity gradient of PLA samples printed using the FDM technique. The accuracy of mapping the structures by computed tomography was assessed, and then a static compression test was performed. It has been shown that the strength properties increased with the increase in the filling density. The highest value of compression strength, amounting to 41.2 MPa, was observed for samples made of PLA with an 80% filling degree, whereas the lowest value of compression strength was found in PLA-T samples with a filling degree of 10%, reaching only 0.6 MPa. It was found that not only the core filling density, but also the outer layers, influences the mechanical properties. The assessment of spatial architecture allowed for a qualitative and quantitative assessment. The obtained images from the computed tomograph showed that the designed sample models were correctly reproduced in the entire volume.

Induction of Stereocomplex Crystallization in Poly(l‐lactide)/Poly(d‐lactide) Blends with High Molecular Weight by Halloysite Nanotubes

AbstractThe stereocomplex crystal (SC) in poly(l‐lactide)/poly(d‐lactide) (PLLA/PDLA) blends provide great opportunities to enhance the performance of PLA materials. Unfortunately, obtaining the SC in high‐molecular‐weight (PLLA/PDLA) blends is still a challenge. In this study, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are used to induce the crystallization of SC in PLA with a high molecular weight. By investigating the non‐isothermal and isothermal crystallization behaviors of PLLA/PDLA/HNTs, it is demonstrated that HNTs promote SC growth over homocrystal (HC). According to the investigations of crystallization morphologies and molecular interactions, it is deduced that weak interactions between HNTs and PLA induced the accumulation of PLLA and PDLA, and the high lattice matching promoted the growth of SC. This would encourage the usage of SC crystals in PLA samples in the industry.