Designing a compatibilized TPU/PE-G-MA/PP Blend for next generation 3D printed filament

Sohif, Hajar Naemah and Manshor, Hanisah and Mohd Hatta, Maziati Akmal and Sahab, Mohd Shaiful (2025) Designing a compatibilized TPU/PE-G-MA/PP Blend for next generation 3D printed filament. In: Advancing Frontiers: Kulliyyah Of Engineering Research, Innovation & Commercialisation Exhibition (Kerice 2025). Kulliyyah of Engineering International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) 53100 Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia.

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Abstract

This study addresses the incompatibility of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polypropylene (PP) to generate reusable, 3D-printed medical devices, reducing single-use plastic waste. TPU/PP blends were melt-mixed at different ratios (90/10, 80/20, 70/30) with a compatibilizer, polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA), 1-5 wt%. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that uncompatibilized blends had poorly dispersed TPU particles in the PP matrix. Adding PE-g-MA significantly improved blend homogeneity, reducing phase separation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed enhanced compatibility, evidenced by an increased ester carbonyl (C=O) peak near 1735 cm⁻¹ and a decrease in anhydride groups. The most optimal formulation is the TPU30/PP70 blend with 3 wt% PE-g-MA. This research demonstrates that PE-g-MA successfully compatibilizes immiscible TPU/PP blends. These findings enable the development of advanced, sterilizable materials for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing in healthcare, promoting sustainability through reusable medical tools.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU),Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene-g-Maleic Anhydride (PE-g-MA), Polymer Blends, Compatibilized Polymer Systems
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) > TA401 Materials of engineering and construction
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Science
Depositing User:	Dr. Hanisah Manshor
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2025 11:13
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2025 11:13
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q541
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/125185

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