Fire Behavior of 3D-Printed Polymeric Composites

Abstract

Abstract3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) is considered as a flexible manufacturing method with the potential for substantial innovations in fabricating geometrically complicated structured polymers, metals, and ceramics parts. Among them, polymeric composites show versatility for applications in various fields, such as constructions, microelectronics and biomedical. However, the poor resistance of these materials against fire must be considered due to their direct relation to human life conservation and safety. In this article, the recent advances in the fire behavior of 3D-printed polymeric composites are reviewed. The article describes the recently developed methods for improving the flame retardancy of 3D-printed polymeric composites. Consequently, the improvements in the fire behavior of 3D-printed polymeric materials through the change in formulation of the composites are discussed. The article is novel in the sense that it is one of the first studies to provide an overview regarding the flammability characteristics of 3D-printed polymeric materials, which will further incite research interests to render AM-based materials fire-resistant.