Abstract
The aim of this research study was to study the mechanical properties of carbon nanofiber (CNF) and
Polylactide (PLA) composite.
The composite material was developed by mixing Polylactide with carbon nano fiber using a three
dimensional printer. The research study presents the following; the mixing ratios which were used,
time intervals, mixing equipment and mixing method. After the composite material was developed, the
mechanical properties of the material were studied. These mechanical properties include the
ultimate tensile strength and yield strength between the two materials that is PLA and PCM
composites. The effect of processing methods and conditions on the properties of CNF/PLA composites
were also taken to consideration due to the impact they might have in the results obtained. An
excel Anova software was also used to compare the UTS of the two materials and conclude if there is
a significant difference between the parent material and the developed composite material. The
Ultimate tensile strength improved by 4.16% from the initial ultimate tensile strength obtained
from PLA samples, while the yield strength increased by 38.05% from the PLA. These results obtained
conclude that the mechanical properties of the PCM have improved.
At the end of the paper, recommendations of possible future challenges for CNF/PLA composites will
be presented.