Impact of fiber‐type and autoclave‐treatment at different temperatures on the mechanical properties and interface performance of various fiber‐reinforced 3D‐printed composites

Abstract

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of fiber type printed into various composites and autoclave treatment at different temperatures on the mechanical properties of aramid, glass, and carbon fiber reinforced additively manufactured composites. In addition, microstructure and interface performance concerning fiber type and autoclave treatment at different temperatures were also investigated. Fiber type results specified that carbon fiber reinforced composite offered higher tensile strength and Young's modulus of 231.84 MPa and 9.94 GPa as compared to glass, aramid and chopped fiber reinforced composites owing to the presence of stronger interface bonds. Autoclave treatment outcomes at 180°C indicated that carbon fiber reinforced composite exhibited the highest tensile strength and Young's modulus of 287.48 MPa and 12.53 GPa compared to glass, aramid and non‐autoclave composites due to denser structure accomplishment with minimal porosity. Micrographs regarding fiber type revealed that carbon fiber reinforced composites formed good interface bonding compared to glass, aramid and chopped fiber reinforced composites owing to rarer voids. Micrographs of autoclave treatment confirmed that cavities were removed due to improved wettability of matrix to fiber bundles at 180°C and strongest interface bonds were formed. Results demonstrated that autoclave treatment notably achieved optimum mechanical properties with improved strength and higher performance.