A review of recent advances in bio-based polymer composite filaments for 3D printing

ABSTRACT

3D printers are frequently preferred in producing parts as an alternative to traditional production by different sectors. The material extrusion method further comes to the forefront since the output is simple, can be used easily even by nonprofessionals, and has become widespread rapidly. However, one of the biggest challenges in the material extrusion method is limited raw materials used in production due to environmental sensitivity, cost, process difficulty, and the inappropriateness of the current materials for 3D printers. This limitation is one of the most significant obstacles to the further spread of the material extrusion method and the economical production of parts using it. Researchers have recommended using many polymer composites and nanocomposites as filaments. However, despite their excellent mechanical properties, most new petroleum-based polymer materials are not biodegradable. This study examines the current progress on innovative green composite filaments, which are natural, economical, recyclable, biodegradable, and sustainable and can be an alternative to petroleum-based plastics, as a solution to this problem and presents the latest situation to researchers. With the development of new types of biodegradable materials to be used in the material extrusion method, the production perspective and methods will radically change in many sectors in the future.

KEYWORDS:

• 3D printers
• bio-based polymer composites
• material extrusion
• polymer filaments

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support (Project No: 2021/AP/0012) of Yalova University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nese Cakir Yigit

Nese Cakir Yigit received her B.Sc. in 2009 at the Chemistry Department of the Trakya University, Türkiye. She received her M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in 2011 and 2017 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Gurkan Hizal in the Polymer Science and Technology Program at the Istanbul Technical University (ITU), respectively. Her research interests mainly include controlled/living polymerizations, star polymers, functional polymers, and “click” coupling methods.

Idris Karagoz

Idris Karagoz is an Associate Professor at Yalova University at Yalova, Türkiye. He received his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees from Marmara University, in 2003, 2007, and 2014, respectively. His research interests include polymers, polymer composites, 3D printers, additive manufacturing, joining of polymers, design, and manufacturing.