Advancements in additive manufacturing of polymer matrix composites: A systematic review of techniques and properties

Abstract

Polymers are one of the most commonly utilized materials in fabricating several components for various tenders. Several conventional techniques have been used to create polymer-based structures. Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) have recently been considered in additive manufacturing (AM). Also, the most remarkable progress in this field has been made in short fiber-reinforced composites, whereas continuous fiber fabricating residues is a very new area of study. Fused deposition modeling (FDM), fused filament fabrication (FFF), direct ink writing (DIW), and stereolithography (SLA) are examples of AM techniques that offer significant advantages over traditional techniques by enabling the creation of intricate PMC material sample geometries without the need for a mold. External forces such as outward, magnetic, electric, ultrasonic, or shear forces facilitate the convergence of AM processes with filler material arrangement methods. This convergence enables the precise geometric arrangement and positioning of continuous or intermittent fillers. Despite challenges in PMCs and process expansion, fresh design, modeling, and analysis techniques are desirable; These newly developed composite building types can effectively determine their best offers. The current review presents an overview of experiments and developments associated with AM of PMC materials from 2018 until now and provides a detailed discussion of current findings, challenges, and gaps.