Analytical study on the 3D-printed structure and mechanical properties of basalt fiber-reinforced PLA composites using X-ray microscopy

A high-resolution X-ray microscope was used to quantitate the internal morphological characteristics of 3D-printed, basalt-fiber-reinforced PLA composites. 3D-printed composites have microstructures and mechanical properties that are distinct from those of conventional mold-pressed composites. One such distinction lies in the presence of voids, which form naturally during 3D printing. All of the composite components, including the fiber, the...