Tailoring strength and modulus by 3D printing different continuous fibers and filled structures into composites

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is one of potential technologies for production of designable complex filled structures and mechanical strengthening along the reinforcing fibers for composites. The objective of this paper is to study the tensile mechanical behavior of diverse concentric fiber rings and fiber layers using glass fiber (GF), Kevlar fiber (KF), and carbon fiber (CF) printed into polymer composites and then to compare them. Additionally, it also aims to identify the influence of complex filled structures of Nylon on different fiber printed polymer composites. Tensile tests and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were utilized to characterize the 3D printed composites. Results revealed that CF-printed composite exhibits the greatest tensile strength of 110 MPa and modulus of 3941 MPa as compared to glass and Kevlar fiber composites. Increase of concentric fiber rings and fiber layers is attributed to increase in tensile strength and modulus. Also, the rectangular filled structure of Nylon declared the highest tensile strength and modulus than hexagonal and triangular filled structure owing to its rectangular filling that bears maximum load in longitudinal direction. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].