Fused deposition modeling 3D printing of polyamide-based composites and its applications

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the most commonly utilized low-cost 3D printing technology, which employs the hot-melt and adhesive properties of thermoplastic materials. As one of the most important classes of engineering thermoplastic polymer materials, polyamide (PA) possesses excellent comprehensive performance. However, the FDM fabricated products based on pure PA are seriously warped, distorted, and lack of shape stability due to the accumulation of shrinkage stress generated from the crystallization of polymer, which severely restrict the application of PA in FDM 3D printing. In this article, notable advances in FDM 3D printing of polyamide-based composites and the properties of the printed parts as well as their practical or potential applications are highlighted. The particular emphasis is placed on the formation and the performance of polyamide/polymer blends, inorganic particle reinforced polyamide composites, and fiber reinforced polyamide composites. Finally, the significant limitations, opportunities, and challenges are identified to motivate the future research on the FDM 3D printing of polyamide-based composites and its applications.