3D printing of carbon nanofiber-PLA composite

The aim of this research study was to study the mechanical properties of carbon nanofiber (CNF) and Polylactide (PLA) composite. The composite material was developed by mixing Polylactide with carbon nano fiber using a three dimensional printer. The research study presents the following; the mixing ratios which were used, time intervals, mixing equipment and mixing method. After the composite material was developed, the mechanical properties of the material were studied. These mechanical properties include the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength between the two materials that is PLA and PCM composites. The effect of processing methods and conditions on the properties of CNF/PLA composites were also taken to consideration due to the impact they might have in the results obtained. An excel Anova software was also used to compare the UTS of the two materials and conclude if there is a significant difference between the parent material and the developed composite material. The Ultimate tensile strength improved by 4.16% from the initial ultimate tensile strength obtained from PLA samples, while the yield strength increased by 38.05% from the PLA. These results obtained conclude that the mechanical properties of the PCM have improved. At the end of the paper, recommendations of possible future challenges for CNF/PLA composites will be presented.