Tailored PLA/Chitosan/MCC composite filaments for fused filament fabrication

Suteja, The Jaya and Suseno, Natalia and Fatmawati, Akbarningrum and Savitri, Emma and Asmara, Yuli Panca (2026) Tailored PLA/Chitosan/MCC composite filaments for fused filament fabrication. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials. pp. 1-25. ISSN 1530-7980 (In Press)

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Abstract

The growing demand for patient-specific orthopedic implants has accelerated the development of polymer-based materials suitable for fused filament fabrication (FFF). This study aims to develop composite filaments based on polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) for FFF applications in orthopedic implants. The composites were synthesized via melt blending and extrusion, with variations in chitosan content (1–2 wt%), MCC content (3–5 wt%), and extrusion temperature (155–165°C). Characterization included rheological testing (MFR), structural analysis (FTIR, XRD), morphological observation (SEM-EDX), thermal properties (TGA, DSC), and water absorption. The results indicate that the addition of chitosan and MCC does not alter the chemical structure of PLA but enhances interfacial interactions through hydrogen bonding. Chitosan acts as a compatibilizer, improving MCC dispersion and matrix–filler adhesion. Melt flow properties are governed by the balance between PLA content, filler composition, and extrusion temperature. All composites exhibit sufficient thermal stability for FFF; however, increasing filler content and extrusion temperature leads to higher water absorption. The optimum composition was achieved at 93 wt% PLA, 2 wt% chitosan, and 5 wt% MCC at an extrusion temperature of 155°C, yielding the most balanced performance. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the potential product innovation of composite filaments for future FFF-based orthopedic implants.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery T Technology > TP Chemical technology
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering > Department of Chemical Engineering Faculty of Engineering > Department of Mechanical Engineering
Depositing User:	Jaya Suteja 61106
Date Deposited:	03 Jun 2026 07:02
Last Modified:	03 Jun 2026 07:02
URI:	http://repository.ubaya.ac.id/id/eprint/50778

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