In the present study, a new Polylactic acid/Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer/Titanium dioxide/Carbon nanotubes (PLA/EPDM/TiO2/CNTs) nanocomposite was fabricated via selective laser sintering (SLS) to enhance its thermal stability, rheological behavior, yield strength, and elongation. The optimization process utilized response surface methodology (RSM) and desirability function analysis (DFA), focusing on the critical parameters of laser power, scan rate, and the content of CNTs and TiO2 nanoparticles. The thermal, rheological, and microstructural properties were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, and frequency sweep tests. An enhancement in the thermal stability of the nanocomposite was observed upon the incorporation of CNT and TiO2 nanoparticles. Effective nanoparticle dispersion was confirmed by microstructural and rheological measurements at 2 wt% CNT and 2 wt% TiO2. The optimal parameters for concurrent improvement of yield strength and elongation, as determined by RSM and DFA, were established to be 1.6 wt% CNT, 1.8 wt% TiO2, a scan rate of 2740 mm/s, and a laser power of 17.15 W.
ZhangCLouMWangY, et al.Mechanical responses and microscopic irreversible deformation evolution of thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composites under cyclic loading. Int J Fatig2025; 203: 109327.
2.
Martínez ColladoJLBarnettPRVignaL, et al. Crashworthiness of thermoset and thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composites under combined temperature and rate effects. J Compos Mater. 2025. doi:10.1177/00219983251380733
3.
JafariAAsheghi-OskooeeRHemmatiF, et al.Extrusion foaming of poly(lactic acid)/rice straw composites: opposing effects of eco-friendly physical/chemical treatment and compatibilization methods. J Compos Mater2024; 58: 2199–2216.
4.
EbrahimiFRamezani DanaH. Poly lactic acid (PLA) polymers: from properties to biomedical applications. Int J Polym Mater Polym Biomater2022; 71: 1117–1130.
5.
GiammariaVCaprettiMDel BiancoG, et al.Application of poly (lactic acid) composites in the automotive sector: a critical review. Polymers2024; 16: 3059.
6.
BikiarisNDKoumentakouISamiotakiC, et al.Recent advances in the investigation of poly (lactic acid)(PLA) nanocomposites: incorporation of various nanofillers and their properties and applications. Polymers2023; 15: 1196.
7.
NaserAZDeiabIDarrasBM. Poly (lactic acid)(PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), green alternatives to petroleum-based plastics: a review. RSC Adv2021; 11: 17151–17196.
8.
ShakouriZNazockdastHSadeghi GhariH. Effect of the geometry of cellulose nanocrystals on morphology and mechanical performance of dynamically vulcanized PLA/PU blend. Cellulose2020; 27: 215–231.
9.
WittawatRRittipunRNattapornB. Development of PLA/EPDM/SiO2 blended polymer for biodegradable packaging. J Appl Polym Sci2022; 139: e53239.
10.
ZhaoJWangGChaiJ, et al.Polylactic acid/UV-crosslinked in-situ ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer nanofibril composites with outstanding mechanical and foaming performance. Chem Eng J2022; 447: 137509.
11.
Al-SalehMHEl-MethalyHM. Influence of PLA/HDPE ratio and CNT content on the morphology, electrical, and EMI shielding of CNT-filled PLA/HDPE blends. Synth Met2024; 304: 117592.
12.
XiaoCPengJJiaoY, et al.Strong and tough multilayer heterogeneous pyrocarbon based composites. Adv Funct Mater2024; 34: 2409881.
13.
ImamMAJeelaniSRangariVK. Thermal decomposition and mechanical characterization of poly (lactic acid) and potato starch blend reinforced with biowaste SiO2. J Compos Mater2019; 53: 2315–2334.
14.
SessiniVPalenzuelaMDamianJ, et al.Bio-based polyether from limonene oxide catalytic ROP as green polymeric plasticizer for PLA. Polymer2020; 210: 123003.
15.
MoarrefzadehAAngiliSNEmamiM, et al.Multi-scale modeling and 3D printing of PLA composites reinforced with boron nitride, single-walled carbon nanotube, and graphene oxide. J Compos Mater2025; 59: 1843–1856.
16.
YadavPTyagiSNegiS. A review on the properties and application of carbon nanotubes as biological nanomotors: advantages and challenges. Arabian J Sci Eng2025; 50: 29–40.
17.
YehiaHMNouhFEl-KadyOA, et al.Homogeneous dispersion and mechanical performance of aluminum reinforced with high graphene content. J Compos Mater2022; 56: 4515–4528.
18.
HardaniHAfshariMSamadiMR, et al.An enhancement in the tensile modulus and bending resistance of polylactic acid/carbon nanotube composite by optimizing FFF process parameters. J Thermoplast Compos Mater2025; 38: 1379–1403.
19.
AlimoradiYNourisefatMFarzanehA, et al.Concurrent effect of shear flow and CNT presence on crystallization behavior and electrical properties of polypropylene based nanocomposites: a comprehensive structure-property investigation. J Compos Mater2024; 58: 1589–1604.
20.
ZhouXDengJFangC, et al.Additive manufacturing of CNTs/PLA composites and the correlation between microstructure and functional properties. J Mater Sci Technol2021; 60: 27–34.
21.
ShahparvarSZarei-HanzakiAFarahaniA, et al.The effect of thermomechanical processing on the piezoelectric and electrical conductivity of PLA/2.5% MWCNT composite. J Mater Res Technol2023; 26: 9247–9260.
22.
da SilvaFULunaCBBda SilvaFS, et al.Exploring the effect of annealing on PLA/carbon nanotube nanocomposites: in search of efficient PLA/MWCNT nanocomposites for electromagnetic shielding. Polymers2025; 17: 246.
23.
FarajianJHatamiOBakhtiariM, et al.Investigation of mechanical properties of 3D-printed PLA coated with PU/MWCNTs in a corrosive environment. Arabian J Sci Eng2024; 49: 11181–11193.
24.
HardaniHAfshariMAllahyariF, et al.Optimization of FFF process parameters to improve the tensile strength and impact energy of polylactic acid/carbon nanotube composite. Polym Eng Sci2024; 64: 5047–5060.
25.
ThimmaiahMBSujith KumarSGShiva PrakashS, et al. Investigation of mechanical properties of 3D-printed poly lactic acid with CNT nano composites. J Inst Eng India Ser D. 2024; 1–14. doi:10.1007/s40033-024-00848-9
26.
YohannanAVincentSDivakaranN, et al.Experimental and simulation studies of hybrid MWCNT/montmorillonite reinforced FDM based PLA filaments with multifunctional properties enhancement. Polym Compos2024; 45: 507–522.
27.
BataklievTGeorgievVAngelovV, et al.Synergistic effect of graphene nanoplatelets and multiwall carbon nanotubes incorporated in PLA matrix: nanoindentation of composites with improved mechanical properties. J Mater Eng Perform2021; 30: 3822–3830.
28.
KhammassiSTarfaouiMŠkrlováK, et al.Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based nanocomposites: impact of vermiculite, silver, and graphene oxide on thermal stability, isothermal crystallization, and local mechanical behavior. J Compos Sci2022; 6: 112.
29.
NimbagalVBanapurmathNRSajjanAM, et al.Studies on hybrid bio-nanocomposites for structural applications. J Mater Eng Perform2021; 30: 6461–6480.
30.
KumarGSPKeshavamurthyRPanigrahiSP, et al.Enhanced mechanical properties of CNT/graphene reinforced PLA-based composites fabricated via fused deposition modelling. Results Eng2025; 25: 104472.
31.
SonY. Effect of MWCNT and selective localization of MWCNTs on electrical conductivity of sPS/PET/graphite composites for a bipolar plate application. J Compos Mater2025; 59: 3355–3366.
32.
YaseenBMAlbadrRJRachchhN, et al. Application of Taguchi method for enhancement of tensile and impact strength of PLA/talc/graphene composite printed by fused deposition modeling. J Compos Mater. 2025. doi:10.1177/00219983251376550
33.
KumarSSinghRSinghM, et al.Multi material 3D printing of PLA-PA6/TiO2 polymeric matrix: flexural, wear and morphological properties. J Thermoplast Compos Mater2022; 35: 2105–2124.
34.
LeenaSBhagavatulaSGKNanothR, et al. Multifunctional behaviour of PLA biomacromolecules by GNP/TiO2 hybrid nanofiller integration: amplifying strength, solvent sorption resistance and antimicrobial properties. J Thermoplast Compos Mater. 2025; 38(12): 4401–4430. doi:10.1177/08927057251342805
35.
AlrawiLINorimanNZAlomarMK, et al.Tensile and morphology properties of PLA/MMT-TiO2 bionanocomposites. Defect Diffusion Forum2020; 398: 131–135.
36.
NayakJKBeheraLJaliBR. TiO2 strengthened PLA nanocomposites: a prospective material for packaging application. J Mol Struct2024; 1316: 138892.
37.
FengSZhangFAhmedS, et al.Physico-mechanical and antibacterial properties of PLA/TiO2 composite materials synthesized via electrospinning and solution casting processes. Coatings2019; 9: 525.
38.
WuWLiuTZhangD, et al.Significantly improved dielectric properties of polylactide nanocomposites via TiO2 decorated carbon nanotubes. Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf2019; 127: 105650.
39.
TriamnakNSuttiruengwongSVittayakornN, et al.The properties investigations of PLA/TiO2 and PLA/doped-TiO2 composites films. Polym Plast Technol Mater2023; 62: 1576–1586.
40.
SathishTGiriJKananM, et al.Enhanced mechanical strength and biodegradability of PLA-based bioplastics reinforced with TiO2 and graphene oxide. Mater Technol2025; 40: 2482786.
41.
Peña-JuarezMGVelázquez BalderasBAAlmendarez-CamarilloA, et al.Enhancing the photostability and mechanical properties of poly-lactic acid (PLA) composites with glutaric acid functionalized titanium dioxide (TiO2). Polym Compos2024; 45: 14687–14705.
42.
KumarSSinghRSinghM. Multi-material 3D printed PLA/PA6-TiO2 composite matrix: rheological, thermal, tensile, morphological and 4D capabilities. Adv Mater Process Technol2022; 8: 2329–2348.
43.
YilmazM. Impact of printing temperature on the multifunctionality of PLA/TiO2 composites fabricated via fused filament fabrication. J Thermoplast Compos Mater. 2025; 39(1): 172–197. doi:10.1177/08927057251344179
44.
EvlenHEroğluSC. Assessment of the effects of nano TiO2 and HA reinforcement ratio on mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of PLA matrix bio composites. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater2025; 113: e35590.
45.
QiaoQTamCWLamWI, et al.Hybrid heat-source solid-state additive manufacturing: a method to fabricate high performance AA6061 deposition. J Mater Sci Technol2025; 228: 107–124.
46.
EbrahimpourAOmidiMMostafapourA. Multiscale finite element modeling to achieve the mechanical properties of FSPed and SiC-reinforced austenitic 316L stainless steel produced by selective laser melting. J Compos Mater2025; 59: 2121–2130.
47.
LiZGouJGaoJ, et al.Microstructural evolution and corrosion resistance of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V alloy annular shaped components using multistage heat treatment. Mater Chem Phys2025; 346: 131414.
48.
ÇevikÜKamM. A review study on mechanical properties of obtained products by FDM method and metal/polymer composite filament production. J Nanomater2020; 2020: 6187149.
49.
AtakokGKamMKocHB. A review of mechanical and thermal properties of products printed with recycled filaments for use in 3D printers. Surf Rev Lett2022; 29: 2230002.
50.
LiDZhouYChenP, et al.Polylactic acid/calcium silicate composite scaffold fabricated by selective laser sintering with coordinated regulation of bioactivity induction, degradation, and mechanical enhancement. J Polym Environ2025; 33: 1778–1791.
51.
XuYDingWChenM, et al.Synergistic fabrication of micro-nano bioactive ceramic-optimized polymer scaffolds for bone tissue engineering by in situ hydrothermal deposition and selective laser sintering. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed2022; 33: 2104–2123.
52.
DingBZhangYWangJ, et al.Selective laser sintering 3D-printed conductive thermoplastic polyether-block-amide elastomer/carbon nanotube composites for strain sensing system and electro-induced shape memory. Compos Commun2022; 35: 101280.
53.
KryszakBGazińskaMGruberP, et al.Mechanical properties and degradation of laser sintered structures of PLA microspheres obtained by dual beam laser sintering method. Int J Adv Manuf Technol2022; 120: 7855–7872.
54.
UddinMWilliamsDBlencoweA. Recycling of selective laser sintering waste nylon powders into fused filament fabrication parts reinforced with Mg particles. Polymers2021; 13: 2046.
55.
IdrissAIBLiJGuoY, et al.Improved sintering quality and mechanical properties of peanut husk powder/polyether sulfone composite for selective laser sintering. 3D Print Addit Manuf2023; 10: 111–123.
56.
KimHCHahnHTYangYS. Synthesis of PA12/functionalized GNP nanocomposite powders for the selective laser sintering process. J Compos Mater2013; 47: 501–509.
57.
YanCZShiYSYangJS, et al.Preparation and selective laser sintering of nylon-12-coated aluminum powders. J Compos Mater2009; 43: 1835–1851.
58.
GaikwadSTateJSTheodoropoulouN, et al.Electrical and mechanical properties of PA11 blended with nanographene platelets using industrial twin-screw extruder for selective laser sintering. J Compos Mater2013; 47: 2973–2986.
59.
TorkunovMShiyanovaKVerkhovaE, et al.Powders of rGO-coated polyamide with special electrical properties for SLS 3D printing. J Compos Mater2023; 57: 2233–2242.
60.
KamMİpekçiAŞengülÖ. Investigation of the effect of FDM process parameters on mechanical properties of 3D printed PA12 samples using Taguchi method. J Thermoplast Compos Mater2023; 36: 307–325.
61.
DeminaTSPopyrinaTNMinaevaED, et al.Polylactide microparticles stabilized by chitosan graft-copolymer as building blocks for scaffold fabrication via surface-selective laser sintering. J Mater Res2022; 37: 933–942.
62.
ShuaiCYuZQiF, et al.Thermal post-processing driven surface smoothing of 3D-printed PLA-hydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. J Mater Res Technol2025; 38: 5125–5134.
63.
UlkirO. Artificial intelligence techniques for thermomechanical property optimization of metal-PLA composites additive manufactured parts. Measurement2025; 256: 118089.
64.
SantoJPenumakalaPKAdusumalliRB. Mechanical and electrical properties of three-dimensional printed polylactic acid-graphene-carbon nanofiber composites. Polym Compos2021; 42: 3231–3242.
65.
ValapaRHussainSIyerPK, et al.Influence of graphene on thermal degradation and crystallization kinetics behaviour of poly (lactic acid). J Polym Res2015; 22: 175.
66.
AbdulAmeerSAltalbawyFMAdhabAH, et al.Simultaneous improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of PP/SEBS/clay nanocomposite produced by fused filament fabrication method. Polym Eng Sci2025; 65: 1200–1213.
67.
AbdulAmeerSAltalbawyFMAAdhabAH, et al. Response surface methodology to optimize the thermal stability, young modulus and flexural strength of PP/SEBS/clay nanocomposite produced by FFF method. J Compos Mater. 2025; 59(11): 1417–1431. doi:10.1177/00219983241313016
68.
LuoJWangHZuoD, et al.Research on the application of MWCNTs/PLA composite material in the manufacturing of conductive composite products in 3D printing. Micromachines2018; 9: 635.
69.
IvanovEKotsilkovaRXiaH, et al.PLA/graphene/MWCNT composites with improved electrical and thermal properties suitable for FDM 3D printing applications. Appl Sci2019; 9: 1209.
70.
DinhBBGuoYNguyenTT, et al.Optimize print speed and laser power of the 3D printing technology selective laser sintering (SLS) for mixture of powder materials green bean and polylactic acid (GBP/PLA). IOP Conf Ser Mater Sci Eng2020; 782: 022111.
71.
Vande RyseREdelevaMVan StichelO, et al.Setting the optimal laser power for sustainable powder bed fusion processing of elastomeric polyesters: a combined experimental and theoretical study. Materials2022; 15: 385.
72.
KafleALuisESilwalR, et al.3D/4D printing of polymers: fused deposition modelling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and stereolithography (SLA). Polymers2021; 13: 3101.
73.
RenDWangCWeiX, et al.Harmonizing physical and deep learning modeling: a computationally efficient and interpretable approach for property prediction. Scr Mater2025; 255: 116350.
74.
WangGXLiuPZhangW, et al.Preparation and characterization of novel PA6/SiO2 composite microsphere applied for selective laser sintering. Express Polym Lett2018; 12: 13–23.
