"Analysis of the Effect of Humidity has on Recycled PLA Materials"

The scope of this research is to analyze the effects of humidity and moisture on 3D printing materials. This will help to develop an appropriate system for moisture resistance applications without subjecting the plastic to high temperatures. This system includes a dehydrator, to remove moisture; or a proper humidity free storage system, to prevent moisture from coming into contact with the filament. In order to make 3D printing sustainable, clear methods to recycle plastic filament efficiently is imperative.

There are multiple technologies that produce substantial amounts of plastic waste. With the rise of 3D printing, plastic waste from 3D printed objects has also increased. Despite the large amounts of waste generated, it is possible to repurpose this plastic to prevent it from ending up in a landfill. Our goal is to recover plastic waste from 3D printing by turning it into new filament for future 3D printed projects.

Themes: Waste, Energy, Resources & Technology

Sara Ordonselli and Breno Hoelz Coscarelli

BEng, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science