Naing, Shah Yunn, Davis, Molly and Buanz, Asma ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2556-1256 (2026) Influence of internal microstructure on the viscoelastic properties of 3D-printed PLA films: a combined dynamic mechanical analysis and design of experiments approach. Materials Today Communications, 54:115663. ISSN 2352-4928 (Online) (doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2026.115663)

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Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing facilitates geometry and microstructure customization. However, research on their impact on mechanical performance is limited. This study investigates the influence of infill pattern and material composition on the viscoelastic properties and dimensional stability of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) films created by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and evaluated using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The thermal properties were assessed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis including phase transitions experienced during heating and cooling, a key characteristic of FDM 3D printing. Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were also explored. The internal microstructure varied from simple to straight grid-like lines. Complex infill designs featured top and bottom surface line patterns and solid infill as maze-like (HLine) or spiral-like curves (ALine). Carbon PLA films had all Line patterns (Carbonline). HLine infill design appears to improve viscoelastic response, while ALine exhibited reduced energy dissipation (tan δ = 0.072 ± 0.004), attributable to stress localization in its spiral configuration. Carbonline exhibited superior damping and post-DMA dimensional retention of over 95%, demonstrating significant resistance to heat and clamping deformation. DSC revealed a stronger crystallization peak after cooling for carbon PLA than for PLA. The clear difference in melting behavior upon reheating can explain the disparity in integrity and aesthetic features obtained by the two materials. These findings emphasize how material composition and infill design affect mechanical performance. Optimized configurations could enhance damping, stability, and dimensional precision for biomedical and engineering domains where reliability under thermal and dynamic stress is critical.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	PLA, 3D printing, infill microstructure, dynamic mechanical analysis, viscoelasticity, composites
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) T Technology > T Technology (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > School of Science (SCI)
Last Modified:	14 Jul 2026 09:56
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/53954

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