Advancements and Challenges in 3D Printing for Medical Applications: A Focus Review on Polyethylene Composites and Parameter Optimization

The field of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is currently at the forefront of technological progress. Its impact is substantial and wide-ranging, affecting various sectors such as tissue engineering and advanced mechanical applications. The integration of Polyethylene (PE) based composites is a key aspect of these technological advancements, as they are highly regarded for their strong mechanical properties and ability to be tailored to specific requirements. The latest advancements have brought attention to the utilization of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposites combined with Titanium Dioxide, resulting in a notable increase of 37.8% in tensile strength. Moreover, the utilization of sandwich structures featuring syntactic foam cores is advancing the frontiers of marine applications, particularly when enhanced with Glass Micro Balloons (GMB). The combination of wood flour and recycled polyethylene showcases its potential for utilization in extrusion and injection molding processes, while also enhancing its resistance to thermal degradation, specifically up to temperatures of 180 °C. Concurrently, the utilization of degradable PCL/PEG composite meshes, in conjunction with the incorporation of the antibiotic azithromycin, presents a highly encouraging prospect for medical interventions, particularly in the treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and targeted infections. Research further highlights the multifunctionality of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies in examining sandwich structures, uncovering enhanced flexural stresses in reentrant structures. The utilization of carbon fiber reinforcements in 3D printed components highlights the presence of distinct anisotropy in shear properties, which is influenced by the printing orientation. This observation emphasizes the promising prospects of employing various material combinations in the realm of 3D printing. This overview provides a concise summary of the swift advancements in the field of 3D printing, emphasizing the significant impact of material science and technology in influencing forthcoming applications.