Effect of BTO piezoceramic on the mechanical and dielectric properties of 3D-printed PLA.BTO functional polymer composite

Abstract

The development of polymer composite materials for additive manufacturing is critical for advancing industrial applications. This study enhances the functional performance of poly-lactic acid (PLA) by incorporating barium titanate (BTO/BaTiO?) particles. Uniform dispersion of BTO within the PLA matrix was achieved, and filaments were fabricated using fused deposition modelling (FDM) with a 60% infill rate, adhering to ASTM standards. The influence of BTO fillers on the mechanical and dielectric properties of PLA.BTO composites were analysed and compared to pure PLA. FESEM microstructural analysis confirmed distinct layering, defect-free deposition, and uniform BTO distribution. Mechanical testing revealed notable improvements, including increases in tensile strength (16.4%), flexural strength (17.1%), shore hardness (4.7%), impact strength (17.7%), and drop-weight energy absorption for a 5 mm plate (26%), attributed to enhanced interfacial bonding and reduced void formation. The dielectric properties exhibited significant enhancements, with a 12.9% increase in dielectric strength, a 15% higher dielectric constant, an 8% greater breakdown strength, and a 21.74% rise in electrical susceptibility. Furthermore, reductions in loss tangent (19.1%), AC conductivity (7.8%), and dielectric loss (6.8%) demonstrated the material’s ability to store and withstand electric fields efficiently. Ferroelectric analysis revealed improved remanence, coercivity, and polarization, underscoring the composite’s potential as a piezoelectric material. These findings highlight the suitability of PLA.BTO composites for energy storage devices, sensors, and biodegradable functional applications, offering a promising balance of mechanical durability and superior dielectric performance. © Qatar University and Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.