SUSTAINABLE RECYCLING PLA AND ABS MATERIALS IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING: EFFECTS ON STRENGTH, THERMAL STABILITY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

This study examines the impact of recycling on the thermal and mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments, as commonly used in additive manufacturing. Virgin and recycled PLA and ABS specimens were fabricated using an fused filament fabrication (FFF) type 3D printer. 3D printed specimens were evaluated using tensile and bending tests, as well as thermal analyses through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical testing results showed minimal differences in tensile and bending strengths between virgin and recycled PLA samples, while in contrast recycled ABS demonstrated a more pronounced reduction in tensile strength. Thermal analysis revealed a slight decrease in the glass transition temperature for both materials, particularly in ABS, suggesting possible changes in layer bonding and structural stability. Overall, the recycled materials exhibited comparable mechanical properties to their virgin counterparts. This recycling approach not only lowers material costs but also enhances environmental sustainability within 3D printing applications. By reusing waste materials and reducing the dependency on virgin resources, this method supports a more sustainable manufacturing cycle, helping to reduce overall environmental impact in additive manufacturing.