Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Polymer-Plastics Technology and Materials, cilt.64, sa.11, ss.1798-1805, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Polylactic acid (PLA) is widely used in additive manufacturing due to its biodegradability and ease of processing. However, its mechanical limitations restrict its applicability in structural components. This study pioneers a unique integration of topology optimization and electrolytic nickel coating for PLA composites, marking a significant advancement in lightweight and high-strength material development. PLA specimens were fabricated using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique and subsequently coated with nickel at thicknesses of 5 µm and 10 µm via electrolytic deposition after surface activation with conductive graphite spray. Three-point bending tests were performed to evaluate the effects of topology optimization and nickel coating on mechanical properties. Experimental results demonstrated that topology optimization led to a weight reduction of up to 45%, while nickel coating significantly improved mechanical performance. The flexural strength of PLA increased by 60%, from 45 MPa (uncoated) to 72 MPa (10 µm nickel-coated), while Young’s modulus improved by 125%, making it comparable to conventional structural polymers. Nickel-coated samples demonstrated significant improvements in flexural strength and modulus, along with enhanced resistance to environmental degradation, indicating superior durability for long-term applications. These findings highlight the potential of PLA-based hybrid materials as viable alternatives to lightweight metal alloys in applications requiring both strength and corrosion resistance, such as aerospace components, automotive structures, and medical implants.