Fused Deposition Modelling of Polymer Composite: A Progress

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Additive manufacturing (AM), particularly Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), is widely used for polymer part fabrication.
• Limitations in mechanical properties and surface finish of FDM-processed polymers restrict their structural applications.
• Enhancing polymer properties through composite development is crucial for expanding FDM's capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and document critical information on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)-ed polymer composite processing for part fabrication.
• To synthesize findings from over 150 high-impact research articles published between 2011 and 2021.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of published research on FDM-ed polymer composites from 2011-2021.
• Analysis of base and filler materials used in polymer composites for FDM.
• Discussion of key process parameters including layer height, nozzle temperature, bed temperature, and screw type.

Main Results:

• Identified trends in base and filler materials for FDM polymer composites.
• Detailed the influence of critical process parameters on the properties of FDM-ed polymer composites.
• Highlighted the diverse applications of FDM-ed polymer composites in biomedical, automotive, and manufacturing industries.

Conclusions:

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) of polymer composites offers a viable route to improve part characteristics.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview of the field, serving as a foundational resource for future research.
• Further investigation into optimized material compositions and processing parameters can unlock broader structural applications for FDM.