Application of Natural Fiber-reinforced Composites in Additive Manufacturing

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The composite materials find their application in almost all industries, viz. automobile, aircraft, spacecraft, construction. Polymer composites replace traditional metal matrix composites due to their light weight, high stiffness, and strength with respect to weight. Extensive research is being carried out by introducing reinforcing fibers in the polymer matrix to make the composite more functional, versatile, and on par with the metal composites. The increase in environmental awareness towards sustainability has attracted researchers to utilize natural fibers in polymer composites. The conventional way of preparing fiber-reinforced polymer composites are compression moulding, injection moulding, etc. With the progression of industry 4.0, the manufacturing industry has been shifted towards additive manufacturing, which serves as one of the pillars of industry 4.0. In this context, the manufacturing of polymer composites with natural fibers through additive manufacturing is gaining importance to provide sustainable development. This chapter integrates the review of existing literature to categorize various additive manufacturing technologies being adopted for natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRPC). It also critically analyses the challenges and opportunities associated with additive manufacturing of NFRPC.