Manufacturing graphene based polymer matrix composites (GPMCs) via 3D printing (additive manufacturing): a review
Muhammad Ali Kaleem
Quarterly No. 3, 2019 pages 126-132
DOI:
keywords: additive manufacturing (AM), graphene based polymer matrix composites (GPMCs), nanocomposites, fused deposition melting (FDM)
abstract The exponential increase in the potential applications of graphene has forced its inclusion in composites. Presently, composites containing graphene have been manufactured by many conventional processes. Since 3D printing (additive manufacturing) offers a wide range of advantages for manufacturing, researchers from the composite industry are now adopting novel techniques to manufacture graphene based composites via additive manufacturing. When selecting materials for composites, polymers stand out as the top choice for manufacturers because polymers require a low temperature to mold their shape and they are easy to handle when compared to ceramics and metals. Hence, substantial focus of the composite industry is now shifting towards manufacturing graphene based polymer matrix composites. In this regard, this paper provides a brief review of the 3D printing (additive manufacturing) processes which to date have been adopted to manufacture ‘graphene based polymer matrix composites’. The promising physical properties of graphene based polymer matrix composites and the future prospects of functionalizing graphene in polymer based composites is also highlighted.