Mechanical properties of PLA–wood dust composites fabricated by FDM

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Karpagam College of Engineering, Coimbatore, India.

¹ Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 29 April 2026

Abstract

Fused deposition modeling is an additive manufacturing technique that enables complex structures to be fabricated layer by layer using thermoplastic filaments. The most common usage is based on the fact that polylactic acid is biodegradable and renewable and can be printed when using the fused filament production methods. The solution to reinforcing PLA with lignocellulosic fillers like wood dust is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective composite material solution. This paper will discuss fabrication techniques and processing considerations for producing wood-dust-reinforced PLA filaments in additive manufacturing. The process of composite preparation includes drying, controlled mixing, compounding, and extrusion by single or twin screws. Hygroscopic wood particles must be maintained at a good moisture level since bubbles, voids, and unstable extrusion of melts can occur during the extrusion. Nozzle temperature, print speed, cooling conditions, and layer thickness are some of the critical printing parameters that greatly affect interlayer bonding and dimensional accuracy. The mechanical properties of the printed composites are normally determined through tensile, flexural, and impact testing. Thermal analysis indicates that addition of fillers causes small variations in the glass transition temperature and thermal stability. Microscopic observation evidence shows that there is a correlation between fracture morphology and internal microstructural dispersion of wood particles. Nevertheless, the useful considerations such as the blockage of the nozzle, the sedimentation of the particles, and changes in the filament diameter are significant challenges during the processing. Consistent quality of filament requires standardized drying methods, controlled conditions of compounding, and standardized process windows. These composites have potential in lightweight structural components, consumer products, and interior components that demand sustainable material solutions.