Effect of Material Extrusion Process Parameters to Enhance Water Vapour Adsorption Capacity of PLA/Wood Composite Printed Parts

• Published in: Polymers Vol. 16; no. 20; p. 2934
• Main Authors: Martínez-Sánchez, José A, Romero, Pablo E, Comino, Francisco, Molero, Esther, Ruiz de Adana, Manuel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 19.10.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: 3-D printers; Additive manufacturing; Adsorption; Air conditioning; Analysis; Composite materials; Dehumidification; desiccant materials; Desiccants; Environmental control; Extrusion; Extrusion process; Heavy metals; Hydration; Industrial applications; Lactic acid; material extrusion; Mechanical properties; Methods; Nozzles; Optimization; Parameter identification; Polylactic acid; polylactic acid (PLA); Polymers; Process parameters; Structure; Surface water; Temperature; VOCs; Volatile organic compounds; water adsorption; Water vapor; Wood; Wood composites; Spain; polylactic acid (PLA); wood; desiccant materials; material extrusion; water adsorption
• ISSN: 2073-4360; 2073-4360
• DOI: 10.3390/polym16202934

This study aims to optimise the water vapour adsorption capacity of polylactic acid (PLA) and wood composite materials for application in dehumidification systems through material extrusion additive manufacturing. By analysing key process parameters, including nozzle diameter, layer height, and temperature, the research evaluates their impact on the porosity and adsorption performance of the composite. Additionally, the influence of different infill densities on moisture absorption is investigated. The results show that increasing wood content significantly enhances water vapour adsorption, with nozzle diameter and layer height identified as the most critical factors. These findings confirm that composite materials, especially those with higher wood content and optimised printing parameters, offer promising solutions for improving dehumidification efficiency. Potential applications include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems or environmental control. This work introduces an innovative approach to using composite materials in desiccant-based dehumidification and provides a solid foundation for future research. Further studies could focus on optimising material formulations and scaling this approach for broader industrial applications.