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Materials Science in Additive Manufacturing Natural composite filaments for 3D-Print

Table 1. Specification, characteristics, and application of commonly used non‑biodegradable filament polymer materials in the
FDM process
S. Specification of Characteristics Applications References
No. non‑biodegradable
filament polymer
1 ABS High rigidity, medium impact strength, Widely used in FDM given its cost-effectiveness, 28
heat-resistant, and ease of fabrication used in moving parts, automotive parts, and
functional parts
2 Nylon (synthetic Chemical-, wear- and UV-resistant; strong and Used in FDM to produce semi-flexible and 29
polyamide) durable; flexible with low friction coefficient mechanical parts (industrial components)
3 PET Good chemical resistance and mechanical Suitable for producing water-resistant products 30
properties, good dimensional stability, and heat in FDM, it can be used to create custom tools
resistance and fixtures
4 ASA Exhibit better UV resistance than ABS; good Suitable for general-purpose 3D printing 31
impact strength and resistant to harsh weather applications, including prototyping and tooling
conditions
5 TPU Has good shock-absorbing characteristics; Widely used in applications whereby flexibility 32
flexible and durable and rubber-like parts are required, namely hoses,
sleeves, and flexible joints
6 PC PC samples tend to display strong anisotropy Can be used for prototyping and in functional 33
as a function of raster orientation – suitable for components
higher temperatures and strong impacts
Abbreviations: ABS: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; ASA: Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate; FDM: Fused deposition modeling; PC: Polycarbonate;
PET: Polyethylene terephthalate; TPU: Thermoplastic polyurethane; UV: Ultraviolet.

Table 2. Specification, characteristics, and application of commonly used biofilament polymer materials in the FDM process
S. Specification Characteristics Applications References
No. of biofilament
polymer
1 PLA Biodegradable, high dimensional Multipurpose material used for a wide variety of 34,35
stability, and odorless applications, including in the medical field
2 Impact PLA Grey Biodegradable PLA with high strength Can be used to produce spare parts, tools, and prototypes 36
and rigidity
3 PLA and PLA-PHA Biodegradable PLA Used for marine structures 37
4 PBS and PBSA Good thermal stability, biodegradable, Can be used in 4D printing to create complex 3D 38
high viability for FFF process architectures
5 PCL Biodegradable, semi-crystalline Used in AM techniques to produce PCL scaffolds for various 39
polyester having a low glass transition tissue engineering applications, including bone, muscle,
temperature and melting point cartilage, and skin
Abbreviations: AM: Additive manufacturing; FDM: Fused deposition modeling; FFF: Fused filament fabrication; PBS: Polybutylene succinate;
PBSA: Polybutylene succinate ran adipate; PCL: Polycaprolactone; PHA: Polyhydroxyalkanoate; PLA: Polylactic acid.

process. The general consensus to consider natural fibers in applications can range from medical science to aerospace
52
the specialized field of AM, besides its numerous and well- engineering. The specific stiffness, impact energy
53
known advantages ranging from the fabrication of complex absorption, and enhanced durability attributes of some
parts to quick prototyping, is to foster the production of of the developed composites have transformed them into
sustainable parts. From an economic perspective, the excellent alternatives to conventional concrete, steel, and
49
abundance of natural fibers in the environment makes timber materials. 50
them an attractive and affordable alternative to synthetic In terms of physical characteristics, natural fibers bear
composites. 50,51 Natural fibers, along with synthetic fibers, a relatively low density and are lightweight in nature.
have been widely considered in the recent past for the This feature further strengthens their consideration and
development of advanced composite materials, and their selection for high-strength-to-weight ratio components
50

Volume 4 Issue 1 (2025) 5 doi: 10.36922/msam.8533