On compressive and morphological features of 3D printed almond skin powder reinforced PLA matrix

This paper reports the compressive, morphological and surface hardness properties of almond skin powder reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) matrix based 3D printed functional prototypes prepared by fused filament fabrication (FFF) as biomedical scaffolds. In this study the 3D printed functional parts were subjected to compression, morphological and Shore D hardness investigations. The results of this study highlight that maximum compressive strength at peak (37.712 MPa), maximum compressive strength at break (33.93 MPa) and Young's modulus (387.80 MPa) was observed in case of sample printed at infill density 100%, infill angle 90° and infill speed 70 mm s−1 (as per ASTM D695). The maximum modulus of toughness as 3.47 MPa was observed in the case of printed sample at infill density 60%, infill angle 60° and infill speed 70 mm s−1. The results are supported by optical photomicrographs and Shore D hardness. Finally mathematical equations were developed (as empirical model) to predict different mechanical properties (based upon historical data approach) supported by Taguchi analysis.