Polylactide Samples Research Articles

Evaluating Osteogenic Cell Differentiation Efficacy in the Presence of Polylactide Samples With Varied Compositions for Bone Grafting: In Vitro Study.

In oral implantology, surgeons often confront the need to improve alveolar bone quality and volume before implantation in patients with bone defects. Whereas guided bone regeneration with titanium meshes is a clinical gold standard for bone augmentation, mesh removal pre-implantation presents a drawback. This study explores biodegradable scaffolds as an alternative. The research investigates the impact of various compositions of customized bone-grafting scaffolds on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation processes in vitro. Plates (10 × 10 × 0.5 mm) were fabricated from polylactide (PLA), PLA with 15% hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (PLA/HA), and polylactide with glycolic acid copolymers (PLGA 60:40 and 85:15). Gingival fibroblasts assessed the influence of experimental samples on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in a low-glucose medium. Osteogenic differentiation was induced, and alizarin red staining measured extracellular matrix calcification via spectrophotometry. Active proliferation of gingival fibroblasts occurred along scaffold edges during cultivation. Although cells proliferated with experimental samples, rates were lower than control cells. PLA/HA showed higher alizarin red staining intensity, indicating enhanced matrix calcification. Experimental samples (PLA, PLA/HA, PLGA 85:15, PLGA 60:40) supported cell proliferation at lower rates than control. PLA/HA demonstrated increased matrix calcification. Biodegradable membranes were nontoxic, suggesting potential for bone augmentation.

Фотодеструкция полилактида с добавками терпеновых производных фенола и анилина

The article is devoted to the development of new photostabilizers of polylactide, a polymer that is an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil-based polymers. The new photostabilizers are designed to extend the life of products when exposed to ultraviolet radiation and maintain the performance of the polymer when recycled. Photostabilizers 2-isobor-nylphenol and N-para-mentenaniline were obtained while the available natural monoterpene camphene alkylation of phenol or aniline. Irradiation of polylactide samples with a photostabilizer was carried out by radiation with 253,7 nm wavelength for 4 h. The effectiveness of the photostabilizer was evaluated on the basis of IR spectrometric data, as well as by scanning electron microscopy and simultaneous thermal analysis. The introduction of each of the selected stabilizers at the concentration of 0.05% by weight resulted in the protection of ester bonds between the monomer units of the polymer. However, 2-isobornylphenol was more effective. The IR spectra analysis of the irradiated samples revealed a 15% decrease in the absorption intensity of the characteristic bands of the ester groups in the sample with 2-isobornyl-phenol, 46% in the sample with N-para-mentenaniline, and 50% in the sample without stabilizer addition. Thus, the use of 2-isobornylphenol as a photoprotective additive will extend the service life of polylactide plastic products under exposure to aggressive UV-C radiation. The protection of polylactide from UV radiation opens up prospects for expanding the areas of application of polylactide, a polymer synthesized from renewable raw materials.

Thermal degradation of 3D printing processed polylactide samples by means of vibrational spectroscopy

In the present study, we utilized the fused deposition modeling technique (FDM) to prepare polylactide (PLA) samples and evaluate in real time their thermal degradation by means of vibrational spectroscopy. The FDM method is probably the most popular technology among 3D printing technologies due to the inexpensive and flexible extrusion systems used for the handling of several thermoplastic materials. Nevertheless, a thermal degradation phenomenon of the 3D-printed thermoplastic PLA samples occurs, which is an inevitable issue for long-term reliability of the material leading to poor product properties. We recorded the Fourier transform infrared spectra in real-time mode to monitor the thermal degradation kinetics of PLA samples at a specific temperature below the glass transition point and explore the induced structural alterations. The absorbance of specific spectral features was used to evaluate the concentration reduction of PLA functional groups during the thermal degradation process. The kinetics of the thermal degradation was estimated by means of the absorbance of the C-COO band which reflects the scission of the ester linkage due to degradation process. The kinetic rate constant was found Kt = 2.30 × 10−3 s−1. The results reported in this work were analyzed and discussed in view of relevant data reported for PLA samples prepared with traditional mechanical processing.

Polylactide Used as Filment in 3d Printing – Part 2: TG-DTG, DSC and DRIFT investigations

A series of structural and thermal analysis research (TG-DTG, DSC, DRIFT) were performed for the samples of polylactide (PLA), which is commonly used in additive technologies as a structural material. In total four materials were considered, including two containing dyes with different colors, a material made of PLA recyclate and a graphene-modified PLA material. It was noted that PLA material reinforced with graphene phase (GRAFYLON®) retains the best thermal properties (TG-DTG), which results in wider possibilities of its processing, including further modification and usability in manufacturing vehicle structural elements. Recycled PLA material (ALFA+W) was characterized by a higher melting point (Tp) by more than 20oC than other samples (DSC analysis), so it can be more useful in the production of structural elements operating, as well as used at elevated temperatures.

Degradation of Structurally Modified Polylactide under the Controlled Composting of Food Waste.

The degradation of polylactide (PLA) films of different structures under conditions of controlled composting has been studied. We have demonstrated that PLA underwent degradation within one month in a substrate that simulated standard industrial composting. Regardless of the initial structure of the samples, the number-average molecular weight (Mn) decreased to 4 kDa while the degree of crystallinity increased to about 70% after 21 days of composting. Addition of an inoculant to the standard substrate resulted in the accelerated degradation of the PLA samples for one week due to an abiotic hydrolysis. These findings have confirmed that industrial composting could solve the problem of plastic disposal at least for PLA.

Historically Inspired Strategy to Achieve Sustainable and Effective Coloration of Bioplastics

The use of historical organic pigments is an interesting strategy to provide color nuances to biopolymers while achieving good solid optical effects. In this work, aqueous extracts of logwood (LW) are tested as a natural source of color for the sustainable production of an organic purple pigment (LWP) taking advantage of the historical lake approach. Different amounts of LWP (0.01–2% wt) are used for the effective coloration of polycaprolactone (PCL), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polylactide (PLA). The full characterization of LWP and LWP-treated biopolymer samples enables the spectral and color properties of the composites to be defined where the exceptional color efficiency of LWP is demonstrated by the very low amount (0.5% wt) necessary to reach the saturation. The evolution of spectra and color coordinates under accelerated aging conditions is monitored for LWP-polymer samples. A 10–12% decrease of the visible absorption band is detected after prolonged irradiation, resulting in a moderate color fading for PBS compared to PCL samples, while negligible changes are observed for PLA samples. The results demonstrate that LWP constitutes an efficient and sustainable source of color for the analyzed polymers without causing significant changes in the tensile and thermal properties of the polymeric matrix.

Tailoring Photoprotection of Polylactide with New Isobornyl Derivatives of Phenol and Aniline.

This article is devoted to the development of new photostabilizers for polylactide (PLA), a polymer that is an environmentally friendly alternative to polymers and is based on fossil raw materials. We have elucidated the role of the reaction center of two potential PLA photoprotectors: N-isobornylaniline and 2-isobornylphenol, in reactions occurring in a polymer matrix under the action of UV-C radiation. PLA samples with the photostabilizers were irradiated under a wavelength of 253.7 nm for 4, 8 and 12 h. The effectiveness of the photostabilizers was evaluated based on FTIR spectrometric data, 1H and 13C NMR, scanning electron microscopy and simultaneous thermal analysis (TG-DSC). Both stabilizers led to the protection of ester bonds between monomer units of PLA. However, 2-isobornylphenol proved to be more effective at a concentration of 0.05 wt.%, while the optimal concentration of N-isobornylaniline was 0.5 wt.% by weight. TG-DSC showed that the addition of N-isobornylaniline led to an increase in PLA resistance to thermal decomposition; the temperature of the onset of weight loss increased by 2.8 °C at 0.05 wt.% and by 8.1 °C at 0.5 wt.% of N-isobornylaniline. The photoprotector 2-isobornylphenol, on the contrary, reduced the thermal stability of PLA.

Examination of Low-Cyclic Fatigue Tests and Poisson's Ratio Depending on the Different Infill Density of Polylactide (PLA) Produced by the Fused Deposition Modeling Method.

This article examines the impact of fatigue cycles on polylactide samples produced by 3D printing using the FDM method. Samples were printed in three infill degree variants: 50%, 75% and 100%. To compere the influence of infill degree on PLA properties, several tests, including the uniaxial tensile test, the low-cycle fatigue test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were conducted. Poisson's ratio has also been studied. Single hysteresis loops were summed to obtain the entire low-fatigue cycle. The infill of density influenced all compared mechanical parameters. The decrease in infill degree caused the reduction of Young's modulus and shear modulus. For a 100% degree of sample infill, a higher number of transferred load cycles were observed compared to PLA with 75% and 50% of infill. Additionally, the value of the transferred cyclic load before fatigue failure and the dissipation of mechanical energy was the highest for 100% of infill. It is also worth noting that fatigue tests can positively affect the appearance of the PLA structure. Obviously, it depends on the number of load cycles and the infill density. It causes that if the goal is to transfer as much load as possible over a long period of time, the maximum filling of the printed element should be used.

Synergistic Enhancement of Flame Retardancy Behavior of Glass-Fiber Reinforced Polylactide Composites through Using Phosphorus-Based Flame Retardants and Chain Modifiers.

Flame retardancy properties of neat PLA can be improved with different phosphorus-based flame retardants (FRs), however, developing flame retardant PLA-based engineering composites with maintained mechanical performance is still a challenge. This study proposes symbiosis approaches to enhance the flame retardancy behavior of polylactide (PLA) composites with 20 wt% short glass fibers (GF). This was first implemented by exploring the effects of various phosphorus-based FRs up to 5 wt% in neat PLA samples. Among the used phosphorus-based FRs, the use of only 3 wt% of diphosphoric acid-based FR (P/N), melamine coated ammonium polyphosphate (APPcoated), and APP with melamine synergist (APP/Mel) resulted in achieving the V0 value in a vertical burning test in the neat PLA samples. In addition to their superior efficiency in improving the flame retardancy of neat PLA, P/N had the least negative effect on the final mechanical performance of PLA samples. When incorporated in PLA composites with 20 wt% GF, however, even with the use of 30 wt% P/N, the V0 value could not be obtained due to the candlewick effect. To resolve this issue, the synergistic effect of P/N and aromatic polycarbodiimide (PCDI) cross-linker or Joncryl epoxy-based chain-extender (CE) on the flame retardancy characteristics of composites was examined. Due to the further chain modification, which also enhances the melt strength of PLA, the dripping of composites in the vertical burning test terminated and the V0 value could be reached when using only 1 wt% PCDI or CE. According to the scanning electron microscopic analysis, the use of noted chain modifiers further homogenized the distribution and refined the particle size of P/N within the PLA matrix. Hence this could synergistically contribute to the enhancements of the fire resistance performance of the PLA composites. Such incorporation of P/N and chain modifiers further leads to the enhancement of the mechanical performance of PLA composites and hence the resultant product can be proposed as a promising durable bioplastic engineering product where fire risk exists.

Biocompatibility of 3D-Printed PLA, PEEK and PETG: Adhesion of Bone Marrow and Peritoneal Lavage Cells.

Samples in the form of cylindrical plates, additively manufactured using the fused deposition modelling (or filament freeform fabrication, FDM/FFF) technology from polylactide (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK), were studied in series of in-vitro experiments on the adhesion of rat bone-marrow cells and rat peritoneal cells. Methods of estimation of the absolute number of cells and polymer samples’ mass change were used for the evaluation of cells adhesion, followed by the evaluation of cell-culture supernatants. The results of experiments for both types of cells demonstrated a statistically significant change in the absolute number of cells (variation from 44 to 119%) and the weight of the polymer samples (variation from 0.61 to 2.18%), depending on roughness of sample surface, controlled by a nozzle diameter of a 3D printer as well as printing layer height. It was found that more cells adhere to PLA samples with a larger nozzle diameter and layer height. For PETG samples, the results did not show a clear relationship between cell adhesion and printing parameters. For PEEK samples, on the contrary, adhesion to samples printed with a lower nozzle diameter (higher resolution) is better than to samples printed with a larger nozzle diameter (lower resolution). The difference in results for various polymers can be explained by their chemical structure.

Mechanical Properties of Polylactide Admixed with Carbon Nanotubes or Graphene Nanopowder.

The aim of this work was to verify the material properties of polylactic acid (PLA) with an addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene nanopowder (GNP). The pure polylactide and admixed polylactide samples were subjected to chemical–physical tests to determine their stiffness and strength parameters. The tensile and impact tests were performed on samples without UV (ultraviolet) treatment and after UV treatment, in a physiological saline solution. The investigations were composed of two stages. The first one was related to the examination of the properties of pure polylactide, denoted as the following: 3001D, 4032D, and 4043D. The second stage was based on an analysis of the properties of PLA 4032D with an admixture of GNP or CNTs, at 0.1 wt.% and 0.5 wt.%. By comparing the strength and the stiffness of pure samples with samples with the considered admixtures, an essential increase was not observed. However, it is stated that the presence of GNP and CNTs in the samples positively influenced the resistance of the materials to the ageing process.

Validation of a solvent-based process for the smoothing of additively manufactured 3D models of nasal cavities

Abstract In order to improve the reliability of diagnosis of nasal breathing disorders, aerodynamic properties have to be analyzed through experiments based on 3D models. The surface properties of the prepared respective 3D models using fused deposition modeling (FDM) should match those of native nasal cavities, thus representing their normal state and typical pathologies. In this work, we validated the smoothing of dual extruded 3D printed samples of PLA (polylactide) and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) using the solvent TFE (trifluoroethanol). The smoothing was conducted in vapour and liquid phases of TFE. Before and after treatment of the samples in liquid and vapour phases of TFE, mass and surface roughness analysis were performed. The results of this work will help to produce and process a representative model of the human paranasal sinuses, which can be created using CT data from a patient.

Experimental study of the process of inner treatment of porous polylactide in a pulsed DBD

Plasma treatment of porous polymeric materials is a promising method for creating new materials that can be used for different tasks, including in medicine, for the development of new types of biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric materials. This paper is devoted to the study of plasma treatment of porous polylactide to clarify discharge conditions and improve the effectiveness of the treatment process. Experiments were conducted to determine conditions for the ignition of a discharge and its electrical parameters in samples of porous polylactide at different air pressures. An experimental study of the degree of processing (hydrophilization) of the cavities of polylactide samples was carried out depending on processing time, gas pressure, and the corresponding input energy of the discharge. An infrared spectroscopic study of the treated and untreated samples was conducted, and the impact of treatment on the functional groups on the polymer surface is shown. The effect of electret properties of polylactide on the discharge ignition in its cavities is demonstrated.

Chloramphenicol loaded polylactide melt electrospun scaffolds for biomedical applications

Melt electrospinning of polylactide (PLA) loaded with chloramphenicol (CAM) has been performed and characteristics of fibers, physical properties of scaffolds, CAM release behavior, antibacterial properties and biocompatibility have been evaluated. The interest of CAM loaded samples is nowadays enhanced for biomedical applications since this antibiotic has been demonstrated to be efficient for the treatment of cancer. Melt electrospinning has been selected as an ideal preparation process because it avoids the use of toxic solvents which are harmful to the environment and could be problematic for biomedical applications. The electrospinning process rendered fibers with a relatively large diameter (between 20 μm and 40 μm depending on the load) and minimum polymer degradation. Characteristics of melt electrospun scaffolds were also compared with those prepared by solution electrospinning. Differences consisted in a more sustained release and a higher biocompatibility for the melt processed samples. Bactericide effect was evaluated as an evidence of the maintenance of the CAM bioactivity after melt processing at high temperature and the slower release caused by the relatively high diameter of the constitutive fibers. Since pure CAM showed thermal degradation at temperatures relatively close to the PLA melting temperature, a complete analysis of the degradation process of pure CAM as well as of PLA samples loaded with CAM was performed. The Invariant Kinetic Parameters method allowed determining an initial decomposition step that followed an autoaccelatory Avrami model, and then an autocatalytic decomposition reaction took place for conversions higher than 50%. Dispersion in the PLA matrix enhances the thermal stability of the antibiotic, with an onset temperature of degradation that was higher by 16 °C in the melt-electrospun fibers than in the liquid state of pure CAM.

Resistance of Polylactide Materials to Water Mediums of the Various Natures

The influence of talc filler, its content, as well as an additional heat treatment and temperature on the regularities of polylactide materials water-absorption has been researched. Based on the obtained data, the water diffusion coefficient in polylactide materials and the activation energy of the diffusion process were determined. It was found that the process of water absorption by the filled and heat-treated materials based on polylactide proceeds slower and requires more activation energy of the process. Stability of the developed polylactide materials to acidic and alkaline media has been determined, in particular, it was found that the destruction of polylactide samples occurs faster in an alkaline medium than in an acidic one

Polylactide Used as Filment in 3D Printing – Part 1: FTIR, DRIFT and TG-DTG Studies

A short literature review was undertaken in terms of the structure, properties and applications of polymers, including those commonly used in 3D printing. The research part included the structural and thermal analysis of polylactide (PLA), which is an example of an extensively used polymer in the developing 3D technology. Special attention was paid to the comparison of structure and thermal stability of two different (from various producers) polylactide samples. The research, involving such analytical methods as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DRIFT), allowed the comparison of the structure of the two PLA samples considered. The determination of the temperature range in which changes related to PLA thermodestruction occur was a result of the performed thermoanalytical research (DRIFT, TG-DTG). Thermal studies also allowed to establish the temperature range in which the material does not yet degrade, which is important in the context of future planned research work on polylactide modification to obtain the improvement of the thermal and mechanical properties of PLA-based materials. This research area will be described in the second part of the publication.

Neodymium monochloride and monoallyl complexes {2-[Ph2P(O)]C6H4NC(But)N(2,6-Me2C6H3)}2NdR (R = Cl, CH2CH=CH2) with the tridentate amidinate ligand in the catalysis of ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters

The reaction of tridentate amidine 2-[Ph2P(O)]C6H4NHC(But)=N(2,6-Me2C6H3) (1) containing the side-chain donor group Ph2P=O with NdCl[N(SiMe3)2]2 (2) in a molar ratio of2:1 afforded the neodymium bis(amidinate) monochloride complex {2-[Ph2P(O)]-C6H4NC(But)N(2,6-Me2C6H3)}2NdCl (3). The neodymium bis(amidinate) monoallyl complex {2-[Ph2P(O)]C6H4NC(But)N(2,6-Me2C6H3)}2Nd(C3H5) (5) was synthesized by the elimination reaction between the tris-allyl derivative Nd(C3H5)3-(C4H8O2)2 (4) and amidine 1 in a molar ratio of 1:2 and by the exchange reaction between equimolar amounts of complex 3 and allylmagnesium bromide (C3H5MgBr). Complex 5 exhibits high activity as an initiator for the ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide and e-caprolactone, providing the conversion of up to 500 equivalents of the rac-lactide and e-caprolactone within 5 and 2 min, respectively. The resulting polylactide samples have high number-average molecular weights ((47.38–93.02) · 103) and low polydispersity indices (Mw/Mn = 1.18–1.47). The polycaprolactone samples are characterized by high number-average molecular weights ((114.34–237.46) · 103) and a somewhat broadened molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.87–2.40).

Технологічні особливості зварювання виробів з біорозкладних пластиків на основі полілактиду (ПЛА)

Renewable resources can replace petroleum polymers with biopolymers throughout innovative technologies. The importance of developing new products based on bio and other innovative technologies is increasing, which can reduce the widespread dependence on fossil fuels and at the same time contribute to the enhancement of national security, the environment and the economy. Biodegradable polymers were made from a bio-source to improve mechanical properties by adding reinforcement of particles or fibers in polymer matrices, optimizing them for engineering applications. Different from other plastics the possibility of decomposition by microorganisms, chemical or physical action. It is the property of new materials that solves the problem of waste. Currently, the development of biopolymers is under two main directions: − production of biodegradable polyesters based on hydroxycarboxylic acids, biodegradable industrial polymers; − production of plastics on the basis of reproducing natural components. The design and selection of materials should be implemented taking into account the final stage of their life cycle. Thus indicating the method of decomposition, recycling or disposal. Part of bio-derived plastics may be biodegradable, decays in a short time. The use of biodegraded materials is the solution to the problems of waste, quickly and environmentally disposal. Increasing the range of plastic products and the invention of new compositions for the manufacture of plastics causes the accumulation of a large amount of waste, both in the form of used products and in the form of technological waste or packaging. The large amount of plastic waste, as well as its diversity makes it difficult to reuse it in the form of raw materials or materials. − to prevent the generation of waste or to limit their amount and negative impact on the environment during the production of products during and after their use; − ensure recovery in accordance with the principles of environmental protection, if waste generation has not been prevented; − ensure that waste is disposed of in accordance with environmental protection principles which have not been prevented or recovered. Polylactide (PLA) is a transparent colorless thermoplastic polymer. Its main advantage is the possibility of recycling by all methods used for thermoplastic processing. It is possible to form plates, trays, receive a film, fiber, packaging for foodstuffs, implants for medicine from the sheets of polylactide. But its widespread use is constrained by the low productivity of the production lines and the high cost of the product. PLA also has significant advantages such as environmentally friendly nature, promising thermomechanical properties, perfect biocompatibility and degradability. These benefits allow a wide range of applications, especially in the fields of biomedicine, food and beverage packaging. Tensile tests showed the highest relative strength of butt welds of the PLA samples at 75-80% of the base material. The study of the fracture surfaces shows that the material is sufficiently elastic and forms elongated plate structures upon fracture. In conclusion, the PLA can be considered a polymer material, which is well welded with a heated tool.

Development of Injection-Molded Polylactide Pieces with High Toughness by the Addition of Lactic Acid Oligomer and Characterization of Their Shape Memory Behavior.

This work reports the effect of the addition of an oligomer of lactic acid (OLA), in the 5–20 wt% range, on the processing and properties of polylactide (PLA) pieces prepared by injection molding. The obtained results suggested that the here-tested OLA mainly performs as an impact modifier for PLA, showing a percentage increase in the impact strength of approximately 171% for the injection-molded pieces containing 15 wt% OLA. A slight plasticization was observed by the decrease of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA of up to 12.5 °C. The OLA addition also promoted a reduction of the cold crystallization temperature (Tcc) of more than 10 °C due to an increased motion of the biopolymer chains and the potential nucleating effect of the short oligomer chains. Moreover, the shape memory behavior of the PLA samples was characterized by flexural tests with different deformation angles, that is, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90°. The obtained results confirmed the extraordinary effect of OLA on the shape memory recovery (Rr) of PLA, which increased linearly as the OLA loading increased. In particular, the OLA-containing PLA samples were able to successfully recover over 95% of their original shape for low deformation angles, while they still reached nearly 70% of recovery for the highest angles. Therefore, the present OLA can be successfully used as a novel additive to improve the toughness and shape memory behavior of compostable packaging articles based on PLA in the new frame of the Circular Economy.

Anisotropic rate-dependent mechanical behavior of Poly(Lactic Acid) processed by Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing

The strain-rate dependence of the yield stress for Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (ME-AM) polylactide samples was investigated. Apparent densities of the ME-AM processed tensile test specimens were measured and taken into account in order to study the effects of the ME-AM processing step on the material behavior. Three different printing parameters were changed to investigate their influence on mechanical properties, i.e. infill velocity, infill orientation angle, and bed temperature. Additionally, compression molded test samples were manufactured in order to determine bulk properties, which have been compared to the ME-AM sample sets. Anisotropy was detected in the strain-rate dependence of the yield stresses. ME-AM samples with an infill angle of 0° have a higher strain-rate dependence than specimens with αor = 90°. Remarkably, the strain-rate dependence manifested by the ME-AM samples is considerably lower than that displayed by compression molded test specimens. The Ree-Eyring modification of the Eyring flow rule is able to accurately describe the strain-rate dependence of the yield stresses, taking two molecular deformation processes into account to describe the yield kinetics. The results from this paper further show a change from a brittle behavior in case of compression molded samples to a semi-ductile behavior for some of the ME-AM sample sets. This change is attributed to the processing phase and stresses the importance that the temperature profile (initial fast cooling combined with successive heating cycles) and the strain profile during ME-AM processing have on the resulting mechanical properties. Both these profiles are significantly different from the thermo-mechanical history that material elements experience during conventional processing methods, e.g. injection or compression molding. This paper can be seen as initial work that can help to further develop predictive numerical tools for Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing, as well as for the design of structural components.