Abstract
This research delves into the creation and analysis of fused deposition modelling (FDM) stem microfiber reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites that have been treated with silane and employed in the treatment of Nephrolepis exaltata. The mechanical, thermal stability, tribological, and hydrophobic properties of the composites were assessed after they were made with microfiber loadings ranging from 0% to 15% by volume. Optimal reinforcing level was reached when treated microfiber was incorporated into the PLA matrix, greatly improving its overall performance. Among the composites that were created, VN10 demonstrated the most impressive mechanical properties. Its tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength were 86 MPa, 126 MPa, and 5.6 kJ/m2, respectively. In comparison, pure PLA had values of 58 MPa, 92 MPa, and 2.8 kJ/m2. The hard microfiber structure led to a gradual increase in Shore D hardness, starting at 76 for V0 and progressing to 87 for VN15. According to the thermal stability investigation, VN10 had the best thermal resistance thanks to better contact between the fibres and the matrix, with degradation temperatures of 324°C at the beginning and 408°C at the end. The tribological study revealed that VN10 had an exceptional coefficient of friction of 0.34 and the lowest specific wear rate of 0.031 mm3/Nm, indicating great wear resistance. The hydrophilic nature of the natural reinforcement caused the water absorption to rise with microfiber loading; VN15 had the maximum absorption at 1.54%. The reinforced composites had stronger structural integrity and better interfacial bonding, according to fracture morphology studies. The results show that VN10 is the best formulation for FDM-printed PLA composites with multifunctional performance improvements achieved with silane-treated Nephrolepis exaltatamicrofiber.
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