Biodegradable Polymeric Membranes Via Additive Manufacturing for Application in Water Treatment

3D printing has found applications across various sectors, including water treatment, where the incorporation of novel materials enhances sustainability and imparts specific functional properties. This study focused on the production of polymeric filaments for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing, utilizing a PLA/PBAT blend infused with activated carbon and magnesium oxide, with concentrations up to 6 parts per hundred resin (PHR), for use in water treatment membranes. The distribution, composition, and morphology of the particles were assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Alterations in physical properties, including water absorption and contact angle, were observed in comparison to the pure commercial blend. An adsorption efficiency exceeding 60% for methylene blue was achieved, as confirmed by SEM analysis of the membranes. Furthermore, the filaments demonstrated suitability for the production of high-quality water treatment membranes, as evidenced by SEM and Optical Microscopy (OM) analysis.