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Related Concept Videos

Additives and Fillers in Concrete01:29

Additives and Fillers in Concrete

Additives and fillers are integral to enhancing the properties of concrete. Pozzolans and blast-furnace slag are additives or admixtures due to their reactions with calcium hydroxide released during cement hydration. Fillers, which are finely ground and similar in fineness to Portland cement, improve concrete attributes such as workability density, and reduce capillary bleeding or cracking. Some fillers possess hydraulic properties or participate in benign reactions within the cement paste.
The...
Fiber Reinforced Concrete01:22

Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Fiber-reinforced concrete significantly enhances the structural and nonstructural properties of traditional concrete by incorporating fibers like steel, glass, and polymers. These fibers, varying from natural ones such as sisal and cellulose to manufactured ones like polypropylene and Kevlar, are mixed into hydraulic cement with aggregates. Steel fibers, often preferred for their robustness, contribute to improved ductility, toughness, and post-cracking performance. The concrete is classified...

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Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforcement Polymer Composite Laminates Obtained by Different Fabrication Processes
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Assessing Natural Fillers as Substitutes for Glass Fibers in Polyamide 6 Composites for Large-Format Additive

Alessandro Sorze1, Francesco Valentini1, Sofia Santi2

  • 1Department of Industrial Engineering and INSTM Research Unit, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy.

Polymers
|May 13, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Natural fillers like silica and calcium carbonate offer a sustainable alternative to glass fibers (GFs) in polyamide 6 (PA6) for large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM). These eco-friendly materials provide comparable performance with reduced environmental impact.

Keywords:
additive manufacturingcompositesglass fibersnatural fillerspolyamide 6printability

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Engineering
  • Sustainable Manufacturing

Background:

  • Large-Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) often uses glass fibers (GFs) in polyamide 6 (PA6) composites.
  • GF reinforcement in PA6 can hinder chemical recyclability and increase material weight.
  • Developing sustainable alternatives for LFAM is crucial for eco-friendly production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate natural fillers (clay, calcium carbonate, silica) as sustainable replacements for GFs in PA6 for LFAM.
  • To compare the properties of natural filler-PA6 composites with conventional GF-PA6 systems.
  • To assess the potential for improved chemical recyclability and reduced environmental impact.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation of PA6 composites with ≤ 10 wt% natural fillers and a 30 wt% GF-PA6 reference.
  • Rheological, morphological, thermal, and thermo-mechanical analyses were conducted.
  • Preliminary LFAM components were printed and analyzed for quality and properties.

Main Results:

  • Silica and clay fillers exhibited similar rheological behavior to GFs due to particle size.
  • Natural fillers showed a potential nucleating effect, slightly increasing crystallinity (up to 32%).
  • Calcium carbonate composites achieved comparable thermal conductivity to GF-PA6 (≥0.42 W/mK).
  • Satisfactory printing quality and filler dispersion were observed in LFAM components.
  • Silica and calcium carbonate offered balanced mechanical properties, reducing printed part anisotropy.

Conclusions:

  • Limited concentrations (≤10 wt%) of natural fillers are viable, lightweight, and eco-sustainable alternatives to GFs in PA6 for LFAM.
  • These natural fillers can enhance thermal properties and reduce anisotropy in 3D printed parts.
  • The study supports the use of natural fillers for chemically recyclable and environmentally conscious LFAM applications.