Advancing additive manufacturing: <scp>3D</scp>‐printing of hybrid natural fiber sandwich (<scp>Nona/Soy‐PLA</scp>) composites through filament extrusion and its effect on thermomechanical properties

The extrusion procedure used to manufacture Short Fiber Reinforced Composites (SFRCs) results in significant anisotropy in the components due to the skin‐core structure. While there are existing accurate stiffness prediction methods available, there is still a need in engineering for an efficient and cost‐effective prediction method. This work proposes an efficient, low‐cost and effective stiffness prediction method for skin‐core structure using the orientation averaging method and series–parallel model. Initially, the sample is analyzed using industrial CT and metallographic microscopy to ascertain the fiber characteristics and skin‐core dimensions. Furthermore, it is presumed that the skin and core are distinct materials and their stiffness is determined using the orientation averaging method. Finally, the stiffness of the sample is determined by employing a series–parallel model for analyzing stress–strain transmission, which involved merging the skin and core components. Experimental and finite element results confirm the method's accuracy, boasting a calculation time of 31.36 s and a maximum stiffness error below 10%. This method is expected to be applied to automotive, construction and other engineering fields to meet the demand for fast, cost‐efficient and effective stiffness prediction of SFRCs.Highlights A stiffness prediction method is proposed, which is no modeling required. Combined with Hashin‐Tsai, orientation average method and series–parallel model. The stiffness of skin‐core structure is predicted by this method within 31.36 s. This method can be extended to more complex fiber orientation examples.

A fast and effective stiffness prediction method for short fiber reinforced composites with skin‐core structure

Zhao,

Wang,

et al. 2024

3D‐printed graphene‐reinforced composites: Opportunities and challenges

Banupriya,

Jeevan,

Divya

et al. 2024

Abstract3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is an innovative technology that allows for the construction of complex, three‐dimensional structures layer by layer using digital plans. This technology has transformed industries including as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer items by allowing for rapid prototyping, customization, and the manufacture of complex geometries. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms organized in a hexagonal lattice, is well‐known for its superior electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as its great tensile strength. When graphene is mixed with composite materials, it greatly improves their mechanical and functional properties, resulting in composites with higher strength, conductivity, lower weight, and greater durability. The combination of 3D printing and graphene‐reinforced composites creates new opportunities for the production of high‐performance, application‐specific structures. This review identifies key advancements in the synthesis, processing, and application of these composites, while also addressing critical challenges such as material dispersion, scalability, and the impact of graphene on the 3D printing process itself. A significant conclusion of this review is the recognition that overcoming these challenges is not only feasible but essential for harnessing the full potential of 3D‐printed graphene‐reinforced composites across diverse industrial sectors. The unique contribution of this work lies in providing a comprehensive roadmap for future research, guiding efforts to bridge current gaps and drive innovation in this emerging field.

Influence of continuous ramie yarn content on printability and mechanical properties of in situ impregnation 3D printed biocomposites

Wang,

Chang,

Cheng

et al. 2024

The present work aimed to study the printability and tensile behaviors of ramie yarn‐reinforced PLA‐based composites fabricated by an in situ impregnated fused filament fabrication (FFF) process. The dimensional error analysis was conducted to evaluate the printability of biocomposites with different processing variations and continuous ramie yarns. The effect of yarn volume fraction (Yf) caused by processing variations and ramie yarn characteristics on the mechanical properties was also studied. The results showed that the dimensional accuracy of the biocomposites with different ramie yarns could be adjusted by process parameter optimization. On the basis of ensuring printability, the Yf was within the range of 6.80% to 23.32% in the current study. With the increase of Yf, the tensile strength and the tensile modulus of the biocomposites significantly increased. When the Yf was 23.32%, the tensile strength and the tensile modulus increased by 60.78% and 382.35%, respectively, compared to pristine PLA. In addition, an analytical model considering the influences of Yf and microstructural characteristics such as interfacial void content (Vp) on the tensile strength of the 3D printed biocomposites was derived, and the theoretical predictions were in good agreement with experimental measurements.