Optimization of Fiber-Polymer Ratios for Enhanced Mechanical Properties in 3D-Printed Composites

Abstract

The ratio of fiber to polymer is significant for improving the mechanical properties of fibrous polymers that are used for 3D printers’ applications in aerospace, automobile and Biomedical industries. This research on the behavior of fiber reinforced polymer composite material compares the impact of different fiber content on tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance of 3D printed fiber reinforced polymer composites. From a range of fiber contents of 10%, 20%, and 30%, efficiency rises progressively with increasing fiber ratios, with the composite’s maximum tensile strength and flexural strength reached 60 and 55 MPa, respectively at the 30% fiber ratio. Nevertheless, if a structure exceeds the maximum of averaged values, one can meet more severe problems that have been described as brittleness and limited versatility in this study, which means that an optimal use of composites should imply a subtle balance between these parameters. Fiber-matrix adhesion is also a significant factor discussed in the study, which is a key parameter that defines the ultimate strength and life of the developed composites. These results do not only contribute to the knowledge of using 3D-printed composite materials but also provides benefits for proposing specific ideas in industries which attempt to introduce lightweight and high strength parts in their production lines. Some areas for further investigation are the effect of using other fiber orientation and the use of the hybrid fiber-polymer composites to achieve better mechanical properties and overcome problems arising from high fiber content. More specifically, this work helps to enrich the existing knowledge on the nutritional values of fibers and polymers with the aim of achieving optimal fiber-polymer ratios for enhancing the technique of three-dimensional printed composites