Poly Lactic Acid Research Articles

The impact of fire retardants on the mechanical and thermal characteristics of hemp fiber-reinforced polylactic acid composites

The impact of fire retardants on the mechanical and thermal characteristics of hemp fiber-reinforced polylactic acid composites

Facile synthesis of novel soy protein-based flame retardant and its effects on the flame retardancy and biodegradation of polylactic acid

Facile synthesis of novel soy protein-based flame retardant and its effects on the flame retardancy and biodegradation of polylactic acid

3D‐printing continuous plant fiber/polylactic acid composites with lightweight and high strength

AbstractContinuous plant yarn‐reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites were produced through in situ 3D printing, focusing on how plant fiber attributes influence the crystallization, mechanical, and rheological properties of the printed composites. The aim of this study was to assess the viability of plant fibers as substitutes for synthetic ones in engineering additive manufacturing. Plant fibers promoted the crystallization of PLA due to their shear induction and nucleation agent induction effects. The inherent triangular void defect during printing decreased with increasing plant fiber‐volume fraction. Rheological analysis revealed a transition to more elastic behavior post‐fiber addition, indicating solid‐like properties. The tensile strength of flax fiber‐yarn/PLA composite (volume fraction of 50.79%) was 342.37% higher than that of pure PLA, with a 22.2% lower density than pure PLA. Flax fiber demonstrated a superior reinforcement effect than carbon fiber in compressive strength for 3D printed honeycomb sheets with lower energy consumption and footprint. Optimizing fiber characteristics holds promise for high‐performance 3D‐printed natural fiber composites, particularly in vehicle applications.Highlights Plant fiber/polylactic acid (PLA) composites were in situ printed with a volume fraction of 50.79%. Plant fibers promoted the crystallization of PLA during the printing process. The tensile strength of flax fiber/PLA increased by 342.3% with a 22.2% lower density than PLA. Flax fiber showed a better reinforcement than carbon fiber in a compressive test of printed honeycomb.

Distinct exposure impact of non-degradable and biodegradable microplastics on freshwater microalgae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa): Implications for polylactic acid as a sustainable plastic alternative

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as significant sources of harm to biota in various environments. However, the detrimental impacts of aged MPs with different structures and degradability remain poorly understood. In this study, aged MPs from polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS), representing biodegradable, aliphatic, and aromatic plastics, respectively, were prepared to examine their effects on microalgae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa). Structural and property analyses indicated the presence of aging and oxygen-containing functional groups on the surfaces of the MPs, which correlated with an increase in negative electrical charge (i.e., aged PLA > aged PE ≈ aged PS). Aged PLA MPs affected microalgae biomass, promoted protein synthesis, and elevated mild oxidative stress. In contrast, aged PE and PS MPs not only affected biomass, protein, and carbohydrate synthesis but also inhibited photosynthetic pigment production and activity, resulting in intracellular oxidative stress. Excitation-emission-matrix spectra analysis showed that PLA induced microalgae to secrete large amounts of humic acid-like extracellular polymers, whereas aged PE and aged PS groups contained only small amounts of them and proteins. This study addresses critical knowledge gaps in the toxicology of various aged MPs on microalgae and provides valuable insights into the potential of PLA as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics in microalgae culture industry.

Synergistic effects of microplastics and sulfonamide on greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural ditch sediments: Insights into microbial interactions

Recently, concerns have been raised regarding concurrent pollution by microplastics and antibiotics in agricultural aquatic ecosystems. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding their combined effects on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and bacterial community assembly mechanisms. To address this, a microcosm experiment was performed to investigate the GHG (CH4, CO2, and N2O) emission characteristics and bacterial community assembly mechanisms in agricultural ditch sediments under co-exposure to different microplastics (polythene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA)), and sulfanilamide (SA). The global warming potential (GWP) of the different treatments was ranked as follows: SA+PLA (162.96 mg/m2/h) > PLA (123.49 mg/m2/h) > SA (121.75 mg/m2/h) > SA+PE (102.33 mg/m2/h) > CK (without microplastics or antibiotics, 84.67 mg/m2/h) > PE (78.29 mg/m2/h). Additionally, a phylogenetic bin-based null model and molecular ecological network analysis indicated that SA-induced selective pressures reduced compositional turnover, whereas microplastics enhanced drift effects and decreased network robustness. The co-contamination of SA with different microplastics exhibited the opposite effect on the network and assembly process, suggesting that disturbance-mediated species dominance alters the colonization of rare species. Collectively, these findings provide valuable evidence that the synergistic effects of biodegradable microplastic and SA can promote GHG emissions and influence the mechanisms underlying community assembly processes.

Evaluating the efficacy of a cost-effective, fully three-dimensional-printed vertebra model for endoscopic spine surgery training for neurosurgical residents.

A fused deposition modeling three-dimensional (3D)-printed model of the L4-5 vertebra for lumbar discectomy was designed. The model included separately printed dura mater, spinal cord, ligamentum flavum, intervertebral disc (from thermoplastic polyurethane), and bony structures (from polylactic acid), and the material cost approximately US$ 1 per model. A simple plumbing endoscope was used for visualization. Dura mater injury was assessed by painting two layers on the dura mater, which peeled off with trauma. Endoscopic spine surgery is a subject of high interest in neurosurgery given its minimally invasive nature; however, it has a steep learning curve. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a cost-efficient 3D-printed model when teaching this technique to neurosurgery residents. Only a few studies have investigated the efficacy of such a model. Eight residents with >2 years of training participated. Residents performed the procedure bilaterally and twice at 1-week intervals. From the 32 surgeries, four were excluded because of facet removal (as it widened the surgical corridor), leaving 28 surgeries for analysis. Initial surgeries demonstrated a mean operation time of 21 minutes 18 seconds (standard deviation [SD], 2 minutes 32 seconds), which improved to a mean of 6 minutes 45 seconds (SD, 37 seconds) in the fourth surgery (F(3, 17)=19.18, p <0.0001), demonstrating a significant reduction in surgical time over successive surgeries. The median area with the paint removed decreased, from 161.80 (85.55-217.83) to 95.13 mm2 (12.62-160.54), (F(2.072, Inf)=2.04, p =0.128); however, this was not significant. Resident feedback indicated high satisfaction with the educational value of the model. The developed fully 3D-printed model provides a viable and scalable option for neurosurgical training programs, enhancing the learning experience while maintaining low costs. This model may be an excellent stepping stone for learning lumbar spine endoscopy, acclimating to the two-dimensional view, progressing to cadaver models, and, eventually, independent surgery.

Co-pyrolyzed biochar derived from microplastics and microalgae as peroxymonosulfate activator: Influence of microplastic types and analysis of systemic causes

This work investigated the catalytic activity of co-pyrolyzed biochar (MP-SBC) from microplastic (MP) and Spirulina biomass and its activation mechanism for peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Given that different types of MPs had varied effects on the properties of biochar, polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polylactic acid (PLA) were chosen as MP feedstocks. The results showed that the four kinds of MP-SBCs activated PMS more efficiently than the pristine algal-based biochar (SBC), with 100 % of the acetaminophen (ACT) degraded within 20 min. Based on the reaction mechanism analysis, the main pathways for the degradation of ACT by SBC and MP-SBC activated PMS were both non-radical pathways, and ACT was also efficiently degraded by the synergistic effect of 1O2 and electron transport pathway (ETP). Moreover, it was found that the microplastic modification could significantly enhance the efficacy of SBCs in triggering the non-radical pathway. Establishing the correlation between the structural features of BC and the degradation mechanism (active species contribution) revealed that the persistent free radicals (PFRs), defective structures, CO, and graphite N are all potential active sites. Thereinto, PFRs are the active sites for radicals, defects are the active sites for 1O2 production, and CO, defects, and graphitic N are the active sites for ETP. Overall, this work provides an innovative approach for designing efficient biochar-based catalysts for environmental remediation.

Incorporation of biomass-derived carbon dots and hydrochar into electrospun polylactic acid membranes: A sustainable zero-waste approach to highly efficient methylene blue, malachite green and neutral red dye removal

Recently, biomass-derived carbon dots (CDs) and hydrochar have gained widespread attention for environmental remediation. However, hydrochar is commonly regarded as carbon waste (CW) generated in the manufacture of CDs, and only a few reports have focused on the simultaneous application of CW and CDs. Herein, we propose a sustainable zero-waste approach for efficient dye removal by incorporating CDs and CW into electrospun membranes. CDs and CW were obtained via the one-step solvothermal carbonization of apple peels. The prepared CDs with an average size of 7.36 nm were first added to the electrospinning solution to obtain electrospun polylactic acid (PLA)/CDs fibers, followed by CW-integration via ultrasonication. The optimized PLA/CDs/CW composite exhibited high dye adsorption capacities of 141.99, 130.52, and 110.83 mg/g for neutral red, methylene blue, and malachite green, respectively. These dye adsorption capacities are significantly higher than those of the CD-loaded (70.15 mg/g for MB) or CW-loaded (52.34 mg/g for MB) composites, and are attributable to the rational loading of CDs and CW. Furthermore, the optimized composite exhibited remarkable chemical stability, stable reusability, and the ability to adsorb multiple dyes concurrently. This work provides new perspectives on the development of biomass-derived carbonaceous materials for environmental preservation and remediation.

Acid‐Responsive Polymer Additives Increase RNA Transfection from Lipid Nanoparticles

AbstractLipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most clinically advanced RNA delivery technology, but their efficiency is limited by low RNA release after endosome disruption. To improve RNA release, an acid‐responsive polymer is synthesized with which to formulate LNPs for RNA encapsulation and release. Specifically, three acid‐responsive poly(lactic acid)‐block‐poly(carboxybetaine) zwitterionic derivatives are designed and synthesized that are cationic and complexed with RNA at pH 7.4, but are neutral following cleavage at endosomal pH, thereby having lower affinity to RNA. The polymers are formulated into each of the clinically approved Onpattro, Moderna, or Pfizer LNP formulations to produce hybrid polymer‐lipid nanoparticles (PLNPs). With the PLNPs, the IC50 values of multiple small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) decreased up to 5.4‐fold compared to parent LNPs in several cell lines. Moreover, messenger RNA (mRNA) transfection increased up to two fold. The acid‐responsive polymers in PLNPs accounted for the enhanced RNA transfection as this phenomenon is lost with acid‐inert polymers. Confocal microscopy confirmed that cytosolic RNA concentration increased using the acid‐responsive polymers; conversely, uptake and endosomal escape are identical to existing LNPs. This confirmed that enhanced RNA transfection is due to increased RNA dissociation from its carrier. The novel polymer represents a versatile strategy to increase RNA transfection from LNPs.

Study on the properties of water-retted Cymbopogon citratus pseudostem fibres and their nonwoven fabric characteristics

Purpose This study aims to analyse cellulose fibres extracted from the pseudo-stems of Cymbopogon citratus and evaluate their properties in non-woven fabric production. Design/methodology/approach The water retting method was used for fibre extraction, and intrinsic fibre qualities were examined to assess their suitability for textile applications. A thermal bonding technique, using a hot press machine and polylactic acid powder as a binder, was applied for non-woven fabric development. Findings The retted fibres had an average length of 156 mm and a fineness value of 5.73 tex. The fibre’s tenacity and elongation values were 1.33 gf/denier and 12.78%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed the presence of major cellulose components. The fibre’s crystallinity and friction coefficient were 50% and 0.3, respectively. C. citratus fibre exhibited hygroscopic characteristics with a moisture regain of 10.65%. Experimental non-woven fabrics (70% C. citratus fibre, 30% polylactic acid powder) demonstrated consistent weight and thickness, with variations in tensile strength. Moisture regain values for non-woven fabrics were approximately 7.6%. Originality/value The features of C. citratus fibre, obtained with the water retting process, exhibited suitability for textile applications. Three experimental non-woven fabrics comprising of C. citratus fibre and polylactic acid powder were produced with three different pressing temperatures. The tensile strength properties of these fabrics were influenced by pressing temperature.

Characterization of anti bacterial biocomposite films based on poly lactic acid and prosopis juliflora bark powder

Biocomposites can be a solution for environmental pollution and sustainability by acting as an alternative to petroleum-based products used in the field of packaging and biomedical applications. Herein, an attempt to valorize the potential of Prosopis juliflora plant to fabricate Polylactic acid (PLA) based biocomposites. The biocomposites comprised of Prosopis juliflora bark powder (PJBP) and PLA were fabricated by solution casting method with various weight percentages (Wt%) of PJBP. PJBP/PLA films show uniform functional group interactions through FTIR analysis. The 25 % PJBP/ PLA biocomposite shows the highest crystalline size of 8.9 nm. The 25 wt% included PJBP increases the thermal stability by 6.9 %, surface roughness by 212 %, and tensile strength by 45.5 % compared to PLA film. The 25 % PJBP film shows increment in the water absorption and water vapor permeability test. In addition, the antibacterial behavior of 25 % PJBP bio composite shows higher inhibition zones against the gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. Biocomposite films with PJBP content show 40 % degradation in soil for degradation analysis. This PLA/25 % PJBP biodegradable film can be used as an alternative for petroleum-based products in the field of packaging as well as the biomedical field.

Improvement of Thermal Stability of Charges in Polylactic Acid Electret Films for Biodegradable Electromechanical Sensors.

Eco-friendly sensors fabricated from biocompatible and biodegradable materials are promising candidates for wearable and implantable electronics due to their environmental sustainability and biosafety. This article reports a fully biodegradable electromechanical sensor (FBES) utilizing a sandwich structure with macro ripple structured polylactic acid (PLA) electret films acting as sensitive layers and molybdenum (Mo) sheets serving as electrodes for a wearable device application. The stability of the space charge stored within the PLA film has been enhanced by introducing an internal cellular structure and improving the polarization process. A macro ripple structure of the PLA layer with higher deformation is a great guarantee for boosting the pressure sensitivity. The results indicate that inserting cell microstructures and optimizing the polarization process significantly improve the charge storage stability of PLA films by nearly 55%. This enhancement is attributed to several factors, including the extended charge drift path of the charges in cellular films, a synergy effect of surface charges, and "macroscopic" dipole charges distributed in the cells. The fabricated sensor achieves a high sensitivity of 1000 pC/kPa, a wide pressure detection range of 0.03-62.4 kPa, and satisfactory stability. Such sensors are not only sensitive to body movements but also to subtle physiological signals, satisfying the diverse needs of wearable healthcare. Importantly, all the composition materials of the sensor can be completely degraded after their service, aligning with the environmentally friendly principles of green development.

Application of Poly(lactic Acid) Composites in the Automotive Sector: A Critical Review.

The introduction of bio-based matrices in automotive applications would, in principle, increase their sustainability and, in case the use of secondary raw materials is also involved, even result in reduced resource depletion. The bio-based polymer composite matrix that has been mainly brought forward towards industrial application is poly(lactic acid) (PLA), which has often been proposed as the replacement for matrices based on polyolefins in fields such as packaging and short-term commodities since, in general, it matches the needs for conventional thermoplastic production processes. The passage to the automotive sector is not obvious, though: problems affecting durability, the relation with water and the environment, together with the requirement for outstanding mechanical and impact performance appear very stringent. On the other hand, PLA has obtained durable success in additive manufacturing as a competitor for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Also, the perspective for 3D and 4D printing does not appear to be confined to bare prototyping. These contrasting pieces of evidence indicate the necessity to provide more insight into the possible development of PLA use in the automotive industry, also considering the pressure for the combined use of more sustainable reinforcement types in automotive composites, such as natural fibers.

Development and characterization of PLA nanocomposites reinforced with bio-ceramic particles for orthognathic implants: Enhanced mechanical and biological properties

The clinical application of osteofixation materials is crucial for maxillofacial reconstruction and orthognathic surgeries. To overcome the limitations of traditional metallic implants, bioabsorbable materials are gaining popularity due to their ability to avoid secondary removal surgeries and reduce stress shielding. This study investigates third-generation biomaterials, focusing on polylactic acid (PLA) for its biocompatibility and biodegradability, and hydroxyapatite (HAP) for its bioactive osteoconductive and bioresorbable properties. Eggshell nanoparticles (ES-NP), HAP, and bioinert alumina particles coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2@Al2O3) were prepared using ball milling, co-precipitation, and sol-gel methods, respectively. PLA-based nanocomposites PLA/ESNP/Al2O3 (PEA), PLA/HAP/Al2O3 (PHA), PLA/ESNP/TiO2@Al2O3 (PEAT), and PLA/HAP/TiO2@Al2O3 (PHAT) were fabricated via solvent casting. Characterization techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) were used to analyze the developed nanoparticles and composites. Results indicated PEAT and PHAT composites exhibited tensile strengths of 33.59 ± 0.38 MPa and 32.46 ± 0.46 MPa, tensile moduli of 1756.17 ± 95.43 MPa and 2367.21 ± 158.84 MPa, and shore d hardness values of 84.10 ± 1.45 SHN and 78.00 ± 2.25 SHN, respectively. Both composites achieved a wettability angle of ∼65° and surface roughness below 2.19 μm, enhancing osteoblast adhesion. Additionally, MG63 cell viability was approximately 80 %, and hemolysis rates were below 2.17 %, demonstrating their potential for maxillofacial implant applications.

Investigation of mechanical properties in FFF- produced PLA samples using the Erichsen test: application of definitive screening and RSM

Purpose This study aims to investigate how printing parameters affect the mechanical properties of specimens produced through fused filament fabrication, using the Erichsen test to assess deformation characteristics and material durability under stress. Design/methodology/approach Polylactic acid (PLA) specimens were printed and tested in accordance with the ISO 20482 standard. Definitive screening was conducted to identify the most influential process parameters. This study examined the effects of four key process parameters – number of layers, layer height, crossing angle and nozzle diameter – on force, distension, peak energy and energy to break. Each parameter was assessed at three levels and a large number of required experiments was managed by using response surface methodology (RSM). Findings This study revealed that the number of layers, layer height and crossing angle are the most significant factors that influence the mechanical properties of 3D-printed materials. The number of layers had the greatest impact on the peak force, contributing 44.25%, with thicker layers typically enhancing material strength. The layer height has a significant effect on energy absorption and deformation, with greater layer heights generally improving these properties. Nozzle diameter contributed only 1.10%, making it the least influential factor; however, its impact became more pronounced in interactions with other parameters. Originality/value This paper presents a comprehensive experimental investigation into the effects of process parameters on the crack strength and behavior of 3D-printed PLA specimens using the RSM method. The documented results can be used to develop optimization models aimed at achieving desired mechanical properties with reduced variation and uncertainty in the final product.

Characterisation of Miswak (Salvadora persica) Fibre-reinforced Polylactic Acid Composites Prepared by Twin Screw Extrusion

Processing of polymer composites employing fibres from sustainable sources as reinforcement has drastically grown in recent years. This research used Miswak fibres (MF) and polylactic acid (PLA) as the main materials for composite processing. Natural fibres typically include a hydroxyl group (-OH), which makes them hydrophilic. In contrast, the hydrophobic nature of polymer matrices causes them to naturally repel water. This problem was resolved by chemically altering the surface of natural fibres using a 2 wt% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. In this paper, the effect of alkaline treatment has been proven by performing chemical analysis, tensile properties, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to analyse the influence of treated MF content on composite characteristics. The results revealed that biocomposites with modified miswak fibres exhibited better properties than untreated miswak fibres-reinforced polymer biocomposites. Treated MF/PLA composites showed an increase in tensile strength of 52.9% and tensile modulus of 8.16%. From the chemical composition test, lignin composition was reduced from 5.09% to 3.06% and hemicellulose from 28.12 to 10.62% after MF was treated. Meanwhile, thermal properties for both TGA and DSC revealed the elimination of hemicellulose and lignin characteristic peaks, improving the thermal stability of the treated MF/PLA composite. Thus, compared to a pristine sample, the resultant composites' higher mechanical strength and thermal stability demonstrated the significance of chemically treated natural fibres. The novelty of this research is the data on miswak fibre treatment, as no research has been found for this selected treated fibre.

Potassium Carbonate as a Low-Cost and Highly Active Solid Base Catalyst for Low-Temperature Methanolysis of Polycarbonate.

As the demand for polycarbonate (PC) plastic increases over the years, the development of a chemical recycling system to produce virgin-like-quality monomers is indispensable not only to attain completely sustainable cycles but also to contribute to the decrease in global plastic pollution. Herein, potassium carbonate (K2CO3) was used as a low-cost, readily available, and highly active solid base catalyst for low-temperature PC methanolysis in the presence of THF as a solvent, producing highly pure and crystalline bisphenol A (BPA) and with a catalytic performance higher than group IIA metal oxides (MgO, CaO, and SrO) and some group IA metal carbonates (NaHCO3, KHCO3, and Na2CO3). THF was the best solvent in aiding the reaction owing to it having a similar polar parameter (δp) to that of PC according to Hansen solubility parameters. By the reaction over the catalyst, 100% PC conversion, 97% BPA yield, and 86% dimethyl carbonate yield were achieved within just 20 min at 60 °C. The catalyst possessed an apparent activation energy (Ea) of 52.3 kJ mol-1, which is the lowest value so far for heterogeneous catalysts, while the mechanistic study revealed that the reaction proceeded via the methoxide pathway. The reusability test demonstrated that the catalyst was reusable at least four times. Furthermore, this catalytic system was successfully applied to actual post-consumerPC wastes and polyesters, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA).

Optimizing ironing parameters in material extrusion (MEX) technology: enhancing efficiency and performance

This study explores the optimization of ironing parameters in Material Extrusion (MEX) technology, specifically targeting improvements in the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) printed objects, with a focus on enhancing Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and minimizing printing time. To achieve this, we employed a systematic experimental approach that varied flow rate, path speed, and spacing between passes, followed by a comprehensive statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Our findings indicate that path speed and spacing between passes significantly influence both UTS and printing time, while flow rate has a minor effect within the tested range. Optimal parameters were determined to be a flow rate of 14.34%, path speed of 30 mm/s, and spacing between passes of 0.3 mm, achieving a composite desirability of 0.970537. Validation using the response optimizer feature in Minitab software confirmed a strong correlation between predicted and experimental results. This research provides practical insights for optimizing MEX parameters, contributing to enhanced mechanical properties and efficiency in additive manufacturing processes.

Aluminate-activated nano-SiO2 for enhancing water vapor barrier properties in polymers films: A safe and effective strategy

In this work, a series of nanocomposite films composed of polylactic acid (PLA), poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), nano-SiO2 activated by aluminate for different times were developed to enhance water vapor barrier properties. The physiochemical and thermal properties of the films were characterized. In addition, total and aluminum migration from the films was monitored, and non-targeted screening was performed to evaluate the potential safety of the composite films. Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that the nano-SiO2 was successfully activated by aluminate. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that incorporation of the activated nano-SiO2 slightly reduced the glass transition temperature (from 54 to 51 °C) and increased the crystallinity degree (from 6.9 % to 11.1 %) of PLA. Incorporation of 0.4 % nanofillers was found to give the highest crystallinity. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of the PLA/PBAT/PBS films did not change significantly after adding the activated-nano-SiO2. However, the incorporation of these nanofillers did increase the interfacial roughness and crystallinity degree of the films, thereby reducing the water vapor permeability by around 30 %. Erucamide was detected in the composite films after exposure to food simulants, however, the films containing the nanofillers still met European Union safety standards. In summary, the nanofiller-loaded polymer films developed in this study were shown to be safe and have high water barrier properties, which means they may be suitable for application in the food, cosmetic, personal care, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries.

Long-short-term memory (LSTM)-based modeling of the stiffness of 3D-printed PLA parts

This study applied a computationally efficient Taguchi-based long-short-term memory (LSTM) algorithm to predict the elastic modulus of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) specimens. 128 data points were collected from the literature, and 80% were allocated for training and the rest for the validation of the LSTM algorithm. The results suggested that the LSTM algorithm, configured with 25 units in the first memory cell, 100 units in the second memory cell, the “selu” activation function in the first memory cell, the “elu” activation function in the second memory cell, the RMSprop optimizer, and a learning rate of 0.01, was precisely able to predict the elastic modulus of 3D-printed PLA parts.