article · Polymers
Natural fibre-reinforced polylactic acid composites offer an eco-friendly material alternative for additive manufacturing through fused deposition modelling. This manufacturing technique permits the fabrication of intricate and customised shapes that are difficult to achieve with conventional production methods. Combining natural fibres with biodegradable polymers generates sustainable composites, though successful production relies on addressing technical challenges regarding printability, interfacial adhesion, and optimal machine settings. Current evidence focuses on the mechanical and tribological properties of printed parts to gauge durability and functional wear resistance. Furthermore, life cycle assessment methodologies help quantify the environmental credentials of these materials, exposing vital gaps in present understanding. Resolving processing bottlenecks is necessary to develop high-performance, reliable, and sustainable printed components.
Additive manufacturing frequently relies on petroleum-derived plastics that pose long-term environmental concerns. Substituting these with natural fibres and biodegradable polylactic acid offers a route to sustainable, customised part production. Clarifying the mechanical limits, processing hurdles, and environmental profiles of these biocomposites provides a foundation for reducing industrial reliance on fossil-fuel plastics.
The technology could support manufacturers seeking sustainable feedstocks for customised, low-impact component fabrication across diverse sectors. However, the technology appears to be at an early stage of development. Practical commercialisation will require resolving processing barriers, particularly regarding printability and interfacial bonding, as well as addressing data gaps highlighted by life cycle assessments.
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Natural fiber-reinforced biopolymer composites are an attractive class of materials owing to their renewability, sustainability, and eco-friendliness. Meanwhile, fused deposition modeling (FDM) is transforming the manufacturing industry and gaining popularity for fabricating intricate and customized geometries that are difficult to produce with traditional techniques. Recently, FDM printing of natural fiber-reinforced PLA composites (NFRPCs) has emerged as a promising approach for developing sustainable green composites with potential application across diverse fields. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in the development of FDM-printed NFRPCs, with particular emphasis on mechanical and tribological properties. In addition, the review examines life cycle assessment (LCA) studies to evaluate the environmental sustainability of FDM-printed NFRPCs and identifies important gaps that require further investigation. Challenges associated with the processing of NFRPCs, including printability, interfacial adhesion, and optimal printing parameters, are also highlighted. Finally, future research directions are proposed to facilitate the development of high-performance, printable, and environmentally sustainable NFRPCs.
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DOI: 10.3390/polym18172156
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