Investigations on Flexural Performance of 3D-Printed Continuous Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites under Sub-ambient to Elevated Temperature
摘要
The study aims to determine the optimal 3D-printed continuous fiber composite that performs effectively under varying temperature conditions. This is driven by the high design flexibility offered by 3D printers and the need to understand the performance parameters. The effect of fiber content and orientation on the flexural characteristics was analyzed through three-point bending tests at three temperatures. Four key attributes (environmental, mechanical, economic, social factors) were selected, which were further classified into nine decision criteria. A total of 12 models of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach were employed, incorporating four weighting and three ranking techniques. Detailed optical microscopic studies were conducted to analyze the fracture behavior of samples. The study found that the flexural performance of the 3D-printed composites improved with the addition of fiber content and change in orientation. Implementation of the hybrid MCDM approach provides a comprehensive and multi-faceted analysis, as each method offers a unique perspective on the optimal choice for reliable material selection. Overall, 0º unidirectional fiber composites showed superior performance among all MCDM models. This research is novel in applying a hybrid MCDM approach to identify the optimal 3D-printed continuous fiber composite under various environmental conditions ranging from sub-ambient to high temperature useful for industrial applications.
Graphical Abstract