PLA/PCL/SiO2 Composite Printing Plates: Towards More Sustainable Embellishment Printing Applications

Replacing conventional petroleum-based materials in printing technology with sustainable alternatives is an approach to reducing the environmental impact of printing processes. In this research, biodegradable printing plates based on polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles were produced for embellishment printing applications, including relief printing and foil stamping. Structural properties were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while thermal behaviour was characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Mechanical properties were defined through tensile testing, hardness, and surface roughness measurements. Printing plates were produced by laser engraving, and relief geometry was measured to evaluate printing plate feasibility. The plates were exposed to 80, 100, and 120 °C for 5, 10, and 15 min, followed by evaluation of mechanical properties, surface features, and relief stability. Initial functional assessment was conducted through printing trials to obtain embossed reliefs and foil-transferred prints. The results showed that SiO2 nanoparticles increased thermal stability and stiffness and reduced thermally induced variations in hardness and thickness. SiO2-containing plates exhibited engraved line dimensions closer to nominal values. All produced plates presented well-defined embossed elements, while successful foil transfer was achieved with PLA/PCL/SiO2 70/30/3, 80/20/3, and 90/10/3 formulations. The 80/20/3 and 90/10/3 blends showed the best foil stamping performance.