Review: additive manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composites

This review paper investigates novel approaches to the fabrication of fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) via additive manufacturing (AM), with a focus on improving mechanical properties in polymers, metals, and ceramics while reducing weight of the structures. FRCs have been regarded as the optimal material choice across the automobile, aerospace, and construction industries due to their exceptional characteristics, including high strength-to-weight ratio, elevated stiffness, commendable thermal stability, remarkable fatigue and impact resistance, as well as noteworthy chemical and corrosion resistance. AM plays a significant role in FRCs production by offering design flexibility, product customization, waste reduction, near net shape fabrication, cost-effectiveness, and fast prototyping. This paper initially categorizes AM of FRCs into three categories: AM of polymer-matrix, metal-matrix, and ceramic-matrix composites. These categories are further subdivided based on the types of matrix as well as fibers used. Subsequently, it emphasizes the roles of 4D printing and numerical simulation in AMFRCs. The review concludes by addressing potential applications, existing challenges, and scope of AMFRCs in future research and development.