Mechanical performance of 3D-printed PBAT composites reinforced with sawdust

Abstract: This study examines the mechanical properties of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) composites reinforced with sawdust (SD) at varying concentrations (2%, 4%, and 6%), fabricated using 3D printing. The influence of SD content on tensile, flexural, and impact properties was analyzed. The results indicate that incorporating 4% SD yields the best mechanical performance, with a tensile strength of 23 MPa, tensile modulus of 512 MPa, flexural strength of 32 MPa, flexural modulus of 1672 MPa, and impact strength of 98 J/m. However, increasing SD to 6% leads to increased brittleness, reducing tensile strength (21 MPa), tensile modulus (494 MPa), flexural strength (30 MPa), flexural modulus (1459 MPa), and impact strength (89 J/m). These findings demonstrate that SD reinforcement enhances PBAT composites, providing a balance of strength and flexibility, making them suitable for lightweight applications.