Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Evaluation of New Filaments from Used Disposable Face Masks in the 3D Printing Industry: Part II

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop 3D printing filaments and evaluate their tensile properties compared to recycled filaments from 3D printing waste materials and commercially available filaments. We hypothesized that these three materials would have similar tensile properties. Three types of filaments were selected for this experiment: (1) developed filament (from used disposable face masks; DF), (2) recycled filament (from 3D printing waste; RF), and (3) commercial filament (CF). This practical understanding of recycled material development, processes, and sustainability initiatives could influence students' projects in the classroom and laboratory, enhancing their sustainability initiatives and teaching them how to incorporate recycled materials into their creative products using 3D printing technology.

Keywords: plastic waste, 3D filaments, single-use masks, material testing, 3D printing

How to Cite:

Nam, C., Chung, H. & Ridgway, J. L., (2024) “Evaluation of New Filaments from Used Disposable Face Masks in the 3D Printing Industry: Part II”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17074