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3D Printing of Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Polymer Composites
Abstract
Additive manufacturing processes such as fused filament fabrication (FFF) has recently gained interest within many manufacturing industries; however, there is a limitation on existing advanced composite materials availability. The innovative combination of 3D printing with sustainable materials such as natural fibers has the potential to transform the way many products are designed and fabricated. The current work understands how the addition of kenaf fibers to thermoplastic copolyester elastomer affects the characteristics of a material associated with its suitability for 3D printing (TPC). Additionally, to enhance fiber-polymer bonding, Kenaf fiber treated with acid and alkaline solutions, along with untreated fibers, were investigated as reinforcing fillers within a TPC matrix. Three incremental levels of fiber loading (5, 10, and 15 vol.%) of the composite materials were investigated. Tensile test specimens made from the composites were created using an FFF printer. Our study findings indicate that both tensile strength and elongation decreased with increasing fiber loading for 3D printed. However, yield strength and stiffness of the composites increased with fiber loading as much as two folds for 15% fiber loading.
DOI
10.12783/asc35/34846
10.12783/asc35/34846