Work

Exploring commercial PHA filament for more eco-friendly 3D printing

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores a new-to-market polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) filament as a drop-in replacement for polylactic Acid (PLA) to reduce the environmental impact of FFF 3D printing. It provides insights into printability, mechanical performance, and biodegradability. PHA demonstrated comparable aesthetic print outcomes to PLA but exhibited bed adhesion issues and lower mechanical strength, except for toughness. Significantly, PHA samples recorded noticeable biodegradation within months under indoor soil and home compost conditions. These findings offer practical insight into the real-world performance of pure PHA filament, supporting its potential for low-load, eco-conscious prototyping applications where post-use home biodegradability is a desirable and achievable outcome.

Source: Manufacturing Letters

DOI: 10.1016/j.mfglet.2025.12.005

Authors: Mario Cvetkoski, Hossein Najaf Zadeh

Institution: University of Canterbury

Language: English

Topic: biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,000