Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: DANTE AUGUSTO CORREIA GONCALVES

Development of Malt Residue-Reinforced PLA Composites for Additive Manufacturing Applications

Additive Manufacturing. PLA. Natural Fiber. FFF. Composites

The use of natural fibers in composites for additive manufacturing has emerged as a sustainable alternative for utilizing agro-industrial waste and developing new materials for 3D printing. This study involves the development and characterization of a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite reinforced with spent grain fibers for application in Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). The physicochemical properties of the fibers and the influence of reinforcement content on composite properties will be evaluated, alongside two processing routes for filament production: direct extrusion and a two-step process involving the prior production of pellets. Furthermore, a statistical factorial design will be employed to determine a processing condition that balances high fiber content, mechanical performance, and print quality.