Polymers (Nov 2021)

A Review on Reinforcement Methods for Polymeric Materials Processed Using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

  • Juan Pratama,
  • Sukmaji I. Cahyono,
  • Suyitno Suyitno,
  • Muhammad A. Muflikhun,
  • Urip A. Salim,
  • Muslim Mahardika,
  • Budi Arifvianto

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13224022
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 22
p. 4022

Abstract

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Over the last few years, fused filament fabrication (FFF) has become one of the most promising and widely used techniques for the rapid prototyping process. A number of studies have also shown the possibility of FFF being used for the fabrication of functional products, such as biomedical implants and automotive components. However, the poor mechanical properties possessed by FFF-processed products are considered one of the major shortcomings of this technique. Over the last decade, many researchers have attempted to improve the mechanical properties of FFF-processed products using several strategies—for instance, by applying the short fiber reinforcement (SFR), continuous fiber reinforcement (CFR), powder addition reinforcement (PAR), vibration-assisted FFF (VA-FFF) methods, as well as annealing. In this paper, the details of all these reinforcement techniques are reviewed. The abilities of each method in improving tensile, flexural, and compressive strength are discussed.

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