Development and Mechanical Evaluation of PETG-Chitosan Biodegradable Composites for Fused Filament Fabrication

  • Ananda M N
  • Bidyudipto Bandyopadhyay
  • S Sreeharsha Yadav
  • Gurukiran T
  • GM Kumar Swamy
  • Ganesh Gouli
Keywords: PETG-Chitosan Composites, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Mechanical Properties, Biodegradability, Sustainable Materials

Abstract

This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG)-Chitosan composites using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), aiming to enhance mechanical properties and biodegradability. PETG was selected for its excellent mechanical strength and ease of processing, while chitosan was incorporated for its biodegradability and antimicrobial properties. The composites were prepared by melt blending PETG with varying concentrations of chitosan (5%, 10%, and 15% by weight) and extruding them into filaments for 3D printing. Mechanical testing revealed that the addition of chitosan enhanced the tensile strength from 49 MPa (0% Chitosan) to 55 MPa (10% Chitosan) and increased the flexural modulus from 2000 MPa to 2200 MPa. However, a slight decline in mechanical properties was observed at 15% Chitosan due to filler agglomeration. Biodegradation tests demonstrated accelerated weight loss, with up to 25% in soil burial and 28% in enzymatic degradation for 15% Chitosan, highlighting improved environmental sustainability. The novelty of this study lies in developing biodegradable PETG-Chitosan composites with enhanced mechanical performance using FFF, bridging the gap between strength and eco-friendliness. Potential applications include biomedical devices, packaging, and consumer products, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. This research provides a pathway for advancing biocomposites tailored for specific industrial needs while supporting circular economic goals.

Author Biographies

Ananda M N

Assistant Professor, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Bidyudipto Bandyopadhyay

Research Scholar’s, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

S Sreeharsha Yadav

Research Scholar’s, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Gurukiran T

Research Scholar’s, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

GM Kumar Swamy

Research Scholar’s, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Ganesh Gouli

Research Scholar’s, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

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Published
2024-09-30
How to Cite
Ananda M N, Bidyudipto Bandyopadhyay, S Sreeharsha Yadav, Gurukiran T, GM Kumar Swamy, & Ganesh Gouli. (2024). Development and Mechanical Evaluation of PETG-Chitosan Biodegradable Composites for Fused Filament Fabrication. Revista Electronica De Veterinaria, 25(1S), 1850 - 1857. https://doi.org/10.69980/redvet.v25i1S.1714