Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to characterize the performance of natural fiber reinforced polypropylene composites in fused deposition modelling (FDM). Composite filaments comprising of pre-consumer recycled polypropylene with varying contents of hemp or harakeke fibers were extruded from which tensile test specimens were made using FDM. Filament and test specimens were tensile tested and properties were compared with plain polypropylene samples; the ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus of reinforced filament increased by more than 50% and 143%, respectively, for both 30 wt % hemp or harakeke compared to polypropylene filament. However, the same degree of improvement was not seen with the FDM test specimens, with several compositions having properties lower than for unfilled polypropylene. SEM analysis of fracture surfaces revealed uniform fiber dispersion and reasonable fiber alignment, but porosity and fiber pull-out were also observed. Fiber reinforcement was found to give benefit regarding dimensional stability during extrusion and FDM, which is of major importance for its implementation in FDM. Recommendations for optimization of processing in order to enhance build quality and improve mechanical properties are provided.
Highlights
Almost 30 years since its conception, additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has gradually overcome its niche applications and is revolutionizing all manner of practices within the manufacturing industry [1]
This paper presents the development of natural fiber reinforced polypropylene composites that are compatible with fused deposition modelling (FDM) processing
The research focused on the formulation of constituent materials in order to maximize the tensile properties of composite FDM filaments and 3D printed parts
Summary
Almost 30 years since its conception, additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has gradually overcome its niche applications and is revolutionizing all manner of practices within the manufacturing industry [1]. Precision machinery is used to systematically deposit each layer, generating a physical replica of the computerized model [3] The efficiency of this process minimizes consumption of raw material by almost 75%, leading to a reduction in carbon footprint, whilst attaining a high level of geometric accuracy [1,2]. The research focused on the formulation of constituent materials in order to maximize the tensile properties of composite FDM filaments and 3D printed parts. In this investigation, two types of natural fiber were used for composite reinforcement, namely hemp (Cannabis sativa) and harakeke (Phormium tenax). The low processing temperature required for polypropylene minimizes the lignocellulosic degradation of reinforcing natural fibers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
