Novel luminescent PLA/MgAl2O4:Sm3+ composite filaments for 3D printing application

摘要： In this work, luminescent bioplastic composite ?laments for 3D printing were fabricated from polylactic acid (PLA) and samarium doped magnesium aluminate phosphor (MgAl2O4:Sm3+). The phosphor was prepared by a metal-complex decomposition method. The obtained powder was then modi?ed by 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane to improve compatibility with PLA matrix. Untreated and treated phosphors exhibited characteristic photoluminescent (PL) peaks of Sm3+ ion. Composite ?laments of PLA with different amounts of phosphors (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 phr) were produced by an extrusion process. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) scans have revealed that the phosphor ?llers lowered glass-transition (Tg), crystallization (Tc), and melting (Tm) temperatures of the PLA. PL measurements have shown luminescent properties of 3D printed samples resembling those of phosphor powders. Luminescent intensity was increased with the increasing ratio of phosphors. The phosphors not only developed luminescence but also strengthened mechanical properties of the composites. Furthermore, surface modi?cation was able to improve the mechanical properties of the composite ?laments as evident in a series of mechanical tests.