Physicochemical Properties Of Reforming The Recycled Biobased Polylactic Acid (pla) Filament Into Film-liked Shape

3D printing is a pivotal technology that is driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This technology involves the creation of three-dimensional objects using a computer-aided design model, which is achieved through a layer-by-layer technique. Among the various materials used for 3D printing filaments, polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most preferred due
to its unique properties. Nonetheless, due to the gradual decomposition of PLA, which typically takes around 12 weeks, there has been a surge in plastic pollution within the environment. This study aimed to tackle this problem by investigating an alternative method of managing bioplastic waste. The approach involved using a mechanical recycling process to convert PLA filament, commonly used in 3D printing, into a film-like shape. In summary, the procedure comprised of mechanically reducing the size of PLA followed by dissolving it in chloroform to generate PLA films. In order to examine the effect of coloring on film properties, four colors of filament were blended before the dissolution process. The study found that a higher degree of PLA film decomposition was observed with longer incubation times, which was supported by a reduction in the film's weight. As the incubation time was prolonged, the films disintegrated into powder because the compost progressively eroded the film structure. Moreover, based on functional groups analysis showed that slight peak changes observed for mixed colored film and decomposed film. Thus, this approach can enable communities to encourage the self-degradation of their PLA waste, even in their own premises, and promote the sustainability of bioplastics by promoting end-of-life solutions.