3D printing of PBAT-based composites filled with agro-wastes via selective laser sintering

Abstract

Nowadays, biodegradable polymeric materials can play a key role in many fields, including food packaging and biomedical. In the present work, composite powders based on PBAT matrix were prepared by mixing spherical particles obtained by emulsion solvent process with two different biofillers coming from food agro-wastes: a corn by-product and a filler derived from wine production. Sustainable PBAT-based composites were then successfully realized for the first time by means of selective laser sintering (SLS). This paper combines the use of natural fillers within a biodegradable matrix and 3D printing process. Fillers and composite powders were completely characterized as well as the PBAT-based composites obtained by SLS. The effect of biofillers within the PBAT matrix was investigated, by means of TGA, DSC, SEM, and DMA analyses. The bio-based composites obtained by SLS showed increased complex structures. Regarding the processability the printed samples are characterized by a good level of dimensional accuracy and porosity. Thus, biomedical field could benefit from the use of these kinds of fully biodegradable PBAT-based composites.