Influence of Nano Silica on Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Additive Manufactured PLA Bio Nanocomposite

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the most effective 3D printing technologies and it shows high potential for various applications. The nano material reinforced FDM printed parts effectively overcome the limitations of low mechanical and tribological properties of the 3D printed parts. In this research work, the polylactic acid (PLA) / nano-silica bio nanocomposite filament was prepared for the additive manufactured FDM process. The nano-silica with various weight percentages (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) were blended with PLA and prepared the filament by extrusion process. The effect of nano-silica on PLA was investigated by mechanical and tribological properties and the test results revealed that the nano-silica plays a vital role. The addition of 8 wt% of nano-silica gave the highest tensile strength of 52 MPa, flexural strength of 52 MPa, Impact strength of 52 MPa. The maximum hardness value of 52 MPa was achieved. Similarly, the bio nanocomposite contains 8 wt% of nano-silica gave the low coefficient of friction and specific wear rate. All the above test results revealed that the PLA / nano-silica filaments are potential material for FDM.