Improvement of the surface and material properties of 3D-printed PLA using spherosilicate derivatives: investigating hydrophobicity, icephobicity, and mechanical performance
摘要
This work presents the influence of spherosilicate derivatives with fluoroalkyl groups on the properties of composite materials used in 3D printing. New derivatives obtained in the hydrosilylation process were introduced into the polylactide matrix, and the resulting composites were used to produce fibers intended for fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. The tests showed that the modified samples’ surface is hydrophobic compared to the hydrophilic reference sample of neat PLA. The highest water contact angle was observed for OSS-4OFP:2HEX:2AGE/PLA (WCA = 95.6°), a 36% increase compared to neat PLA. A comprehensive analysis of the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties was also performed. A significant impact of additives on the increase in the MFR parameter, better adhesion between layers for lower modifier concentrations, and a higher degree of crystallinity was observed. The presented research constitutes a significant contribution to the development of modern materials for 3D printing, characterized by increased physicochemical properties.