Humid Dry Climatic Chamber for Outdoor Durability Assessment of PLA and PLA-Flax Fiber Composite Sandwich Structures

This research focuses on the implementation of a humid-dry climatic chamber to evaluate the outdoor durability of 3D-printed sandwich structures. These structures are fabricated using fused filament fabrication (FFF) with polylactic acid (PLA) and flax-fibre-reinforced PLA, featuring a mechanically efficient gyroid infill. The study aims to simulate alternating humid/dry aging conditions typical for outdoor applications and assess the mechanical stability of these composite structures. Three-point bending tests are conducted to quantify their flexural performance. Potential applications span lightweight automotive components, sustainable packaging, and architectural elements. The ultimate goal is to establish a robust aging setup and evaluation procedure for these materials under critical environmental conditions, balancing strength with environmental sustainability.