*Article* **Flow Characteristics, Mechanical, Thermal, and Thermomechanical Properties, and 3D Printability of Biodegradable Polylactide Containing Boehmite at Different Loadings**

**Dimakatso Makwakwa 1,2, Vincent Ojijo <sup>1</sup> , Jayita Bandyopadhyay <sup>1</sup> and Suprakas Sinha Ray 1,2,\***

	- Johannesburg 2028, South Africa

**Abstract:** This work investigates the effects of modification of polylactide (PLA) using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a crosslinker and Joncryl as a chain extender on boehmite distribution. The PLA/boehmite (PLA/BA) composites at various concentrations were prepared via a twin-screw extruder. Transmission electron microscopy showed more agglomerations of BA particles when Joncryl and DCP were added individually to the PLA matrix, with lesser agglomeration upon simultaneous addition of DCP and Joncryl, which led to an enhancement of 10.7% of the heat distortion temperature and 8.8% of the modulus. The existence of fine dispersed BA particles in the BA3 sample improved the cold crystallization by 4 ◦C. Moreover, the maximum reinforcing effect in increasing the storage modulus of the prepared system was observed upon concurrent addition of DCP and Joncryl, with minimum reinforcing effect upon individual addition of DCP and Joncryl. In general, a bio-based PLA composite base BA with enhanced properties was successfully prepared for various applications.

**Keywords:** mechanical properties; biodegradable; thermomechanical properties; thermal properties; dicumyl peroxide; Joncryl
