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Sustainable Ecofriendly 3D Printed Composites for Thermal and Electrical Insulation Applications

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Abstract:

The aim of this study is to fabricate sustainable hybrid composites using 3D print technology and to evaluate their electrical, mechanical and thermal properties to assess their aptness for thermal and electrical insulation applications. Proper utilization of agricultural waste is crucial for protecting the environment, conserving resources and ensuring a sustainable future. Composite filaments were developed by incorporating rice straw (RS)/ sugar cane bagasse (SCB) in to polylactic acid (PLA) using twin-screw extruder and using these filaments composite samples were prepared by 3D print technology. The results of thermal conductivity (k) showed an enhancement of thermal insulation of hybrid 3D-printed RS/SCB/PLA composites compared to the pure RS/PLA and SCB/PLA composites. All composite materials exhibited good insulating properties, with k values in the range of 0.148 W/mK to 0.194 W/mK. Thermal insulation capacity of hybrid composite was 9.75%, higher than that of PLA control sample. The results also, indicate that the thermal conductivity of composites increased with temperature, even at 60°C, they retain good thermal insulation properties. The electric breakdown voltage of composites is in the range of 19.84 kV to 21.78 kV. The tensile strength of RS/SCB/PLA hybrid composite at 5% fiber loading were 3% and 8.0 % higher than that of RS/PLA and SCB/PLA composites, respectively. The composites studied in this work possess good thermal and electrical insulation properties and are suitable to replace existing synthetic materials in automotive and building industries.

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Periodical:

Key Engineering Materials (Volume 1058)

Pages:

63-71

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-BaZpz2

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Online since:

June 2026

Authors:

K. Ramanaiah*, M.S. Srinivasa Rao, Hari Sankar Palla, K. Lakshmi Prasad, K. Hemachandra Reddy

Keywords:

3D Printing, Electrical Insulation, Hybrid Composite, Thermal Conductivity, Thermal Insulation

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© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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