Investigation on The Effect of Carbon Fiber Reinforcement on The Mechanical and Physical Properties of FDM 3d Printed PLA

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 01 | Page : 284 298
    By

    Arun Kumar K N,

  • Aruna Mokhamatam,

  • Shivaraj Dharennavar,

  • Meenakshi,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysore, Karnataka, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, The National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, RNS Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering College, Badanaguppe, Karnataka, India

Abstract

In this work, the effects of annealing on the physical properties and mechanical behavior of short-carbon-fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (CF/PLA) composites made using fused deposition modeling (FDM) are systematically investigated. Pristine PLA and CF/PLA composites with 10% fibers have been made and evaluated in accordance with ASTM standards. Tensile, bending, and hardness tests were used to evaluate the performance of as-received and annealed composites. The tensile and hardness properties of PLA were significantly enhanced by the addition of CFs, and these properties further improved by annealing because of better fiber-matrix adhesion and increased polymer crystallinity. The CF/PLA composites exhibited an increase in tensile strength of 15.75%, tensile modulus of 13.58%, flexural strength of 6.49%, flexural modulus of 9.80%, and hardness of 2.35% after annealing. Post-annealing heat treatment greatly decreased the brittleness caused by the addition of CFs and boosted interfacial bonding. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis reveals that CF-reinforcement in FDM printed PLA increases the composite’s heat resistance and rigidity by enhancing crystallinity and thermal stability through heterogeneous nucleation. Overall, the results show that annealing considerably improves the mechanical performance and structural integrity of CF/PLA composites. The study emphasizes the potential of thermally treated CF/PLA as a high-performance, lightweight, and sustainable material for cutting-edge applications like automotive parts, robotic fixtures, and structural components needing dimensional stability and high stiffness.

Keywords: Annealing, CF/PLA, density, differential scanning calorimetry, FDM, mechanical behavior.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer & Composites ]

How to cite this article:
Arun Kumar K N, Aruna Mokhamatam, Shivaraj Dharennavar, Meenakshi. Investigation on The Effect of Carbon Fiber Reinforcement on The Mechanical and Physical Properties of FDM 3d Printed PLA. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):284-298.
How to cite this URL:
Arun Kumar K N, Aruna Mokhamatam, Shivaraj Dharennavar, Meenakshi. Investigation on The Effect of Carbon Fiber Reinforcement on The Mechanical and Physical Properties of FDM 3d Printed PLA. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):284-298. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=237685


References

  1. Wang X, Jiang M, Zhou Z, et al. 3D printing of polymer matrix composites: A review and prospective. Composites Part B: Engineering. 2017;110:442-58.
  2. Wang A, Tang X, Zeng Y, et al. Carbon fiber-reinforced PLA composite for fused deposition modeling 3D printing. Polymers. 2024;16(15):2135.
  3. Ning F, Cong W, Qiu J, et al. Additive manufacturing of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites using fused deposition modeling. Composites Part B: Engineering. 2015;80:369-78.
  4. Ning F, Cong W, Hu Y, et al. Additive manufacturing of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composites using fused deposition modeling: Effects of process parameters on tensile properties. Journal of composite materials. 2017;51(4):451-62.
  5. Stojković JR, Turudija R, Vitković N, et al. An experimental study on the impact of layer height and annealing parameters on the tensile strength and dimensional accuracy of FDM 3D printed parts. Materials. 2023;16(13):4574.
  6. Seok, W., Jeon, E., Kim, Y. Effects of Annealing for Strength Enhancement of FDM 3D-Printed ABS Reinforced with Recycled Carbon Fiber. Polymers (Basel), 2023;15(14), 3110.
  7. Subramaniyan M, Karuppan S, Appusamy A, et al. Sandwich printing of PLA and carbon fiber reinforced-PLA for enhancing tensile and impact strength of additive manufactured parts. Journal of Manufacturing Processes. 2025;137:425-36.
  8. Saleh MA, Olcun S, Karam M, et al. High stiffness 3D-printed continuous pitch carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. Journal of Composite Materials. 2024;58(16):1873-86.
  9. Yu X, Song W, Zheng J, et al. Effects of low-pressure annealing on the performance of 3D printed CF/PEEK composites. Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering: Additive Manufacturing Frontiers. 2023;2(2):100076.
  10. Yu T, Zhang Z, Song S, et al. Tensile and flexural behaviors of additively manufactured continuous carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Composite Structures. 2019;225:111147.
  11. Heidari-Rarani M, Rafiee-Afarani M, Zahedi AM. Mechanical characterization of FDM 3D printing of continuous carbon fiber reinforced PLA composites. Composites Part B: Engineering. 2019;175:107147.
  12. Lestari WD, Mukti AS, Adyono N, et al. Optimization of 3D Printing Parameters for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Material: Impact and Hardness Analysis Using Taguchi Method. Results in Materials. 2025:100727.
  13. Maqsood N, Rimasauskas M. Characterization of carbon fiber reinforced PLA composites manufactured by fused deposition modeling. Composites Part C: Open Access. 2021;4:1001
  14. Kargar E, Ghasemi-Ghalebahman A. Experimental investigation on fatigue life and tensile strength of carbon fiber-reinforced PLA composites based on fused deposition modeling. Scientific Reports. 2023;13(1):18194.
  15. Tian X, Todoroki A, Liu T, et al. 3D printing of continuous fiber reinforced polymer composites: development, application, and prospective. Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering: Additive Manufacturing Frontiers. 2022;1(1):100016.
  16. Mohammadizadeh M, Fidan I. Tensile performance of 3D-printed continuous fiber-reinforced nylon composites. Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing. 2021;5(3):68.
  17. Ismail KI, Pang R, Ahmed R, et al. Tensile properties of in situ 3D printed glass fiber-reinforced PLA. Polymers. 2023;15(16):3436.
  18. Alkabbanie R, Aktas B, Demircan G, et al. Short carbon fiber-reinforced PLA composites: influence of 3D-printing parameters on the mechanical and structural properties. Iranian Polymer Journal. 2024;33(8):1065-74.
  19. Khalili A, Kami A, Abedini V. Tensile and flexural properties of 3D-printed polylactic acid/continuous carbon fiber composite. Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures. 2023;10(2):407-18.
  20. Jamal MA, Shah OR, Ghafoor U, et al. Additive manufacturing of continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composites via fused deposition modelling: A comprehensive review. Polymers. 2024;16(12):1622.
  21. Marabello G, Borsellino C, Di Bella G. Carbon fiber 3D printing: technologies and performance—a brief review. Materials. 2023;16(23):7311.
  22. Ghabezi P, Sam-Daliri O, Flanagan T, et al. Circular economy innovation: A deep investigation on 3D printing of industrial waste polypropylene and carbon fiber composites. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 2024;206:107667.
  23. Blake B, Mendenhall R, Eslami B. Balancing Strength and Flexibility: Mechanical Characterization of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced PLA Composites in FDM 3D Printing. Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing. 2025;9(9):288.
  24. Alshihabi M, El Said M, Alshami A, et al. Influence of Carbon Fiber Reinforcement on Mechanical and Thermal Behavior of PLA and PAHT in Additive Manufacturing. Machines. 2025;13(11):985.
  25. Yu S, Zhang Y, Hu H, et al. Effect of maleic anhydride grafted poly (lactic acid) on rheological behaviors and mechanical performance of poly (lactic acid)/poly (ethylene glycol)(PLA/PEG) blends. RSC advances. 2022;12(49):31629-38.
  26. Unamuno Garay A, Llidó Barragán A, Ferrandiz-Bou S, et al. Thermal and Mechanical Performance of Maleic Anhidride/Benzoyl Peroxide-Modified PLA/PCL Biocomposites. Polymers. 2025;17(18):2540.
  27. Wang A, Tang X, Zeng Y, et al. Carbon fiber-reinforced PLA composite for fused deposition modeling 3D printing. Polymers. 2024;16(15):2135.
  28. ASTM International. (2020). ASTM D792-20: Standard test methods for density and specific gravity (relative density) of plastics by displacement. ASTM International.
  29. ASTM International. (2021). ASTM D2240-21: Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International. ASTM D638-14. Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics Trans (ASTM International).
  30. ASTM International. (2014). ASTM D638-14: Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
  31. ASTM D790-17: ASTM D790-17: Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
  32. Guessasma S, Belhabib S. Infill Strategy in 3D Printed PLA Carbon Composites: Effect on Tensile Performance. Polymers 2022;14:4221.
  33. Ivey M, Melenka GW, Carey JP, et al. Characterizing short-fiber-reinforced composites produced using additive manufacturing. Advanced Manufacturing: Polymer & Composites Science. 2017;3(3):81-91.
  34. Cao M, Cui T, Yue Y, et al. Investigation of carbon fiber on the tensile property of FDM-produced PLA specimen. Polymers. 2022;14(23):5230.
  35. Li H, Mu Y, Wang Q, et al. Interlayer enhancement of 3D printed CF/PLA composites via localized microwave welding and annealing-induced crystallization. Composites Part B: Engineering. 2024;284:111737.
  36. Arunprasand TR, Nallasamy P. Advancements in optimizing mechanical performance of 3d printed polymer matrix composites via microstructural refinement and processing enhancements: A comprehensive review. Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures. 2024;21:1-9.
  37. Alarifi IM. Revolutionising fabrication advances and applications of 3D printing with composite materials: a review. Virtual and Physical Prototyping. 2024;19(1):e2390504.
  38. Rashyid MI, Wiranata A, Muflikhun MA. Characteristics of Hybrid PLA and Carbon-PlLA in Different Laminates Formations. Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites. 2023;2(2):99-110.
  39. Ali HB, Al Ibadi DJ, Dheaaldin H, et al. Experimental Mechanical Property Investigation on PLA-CF Specimens using Fused Filament Fabrication Technology. Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research. 2025;15(3):23995-4004.
  40. Vengadesan E, Morakul S, Muralidharan S, et al. Enhancement of polylactic acid (PLA) with hybrid biomass-derived rice husk and biocarbon fillers: a comprehensive experimental study. Discover Applied Sciences. 2025;7(3):161.
  41. Vinoth Babu N, Venkateshwaran N, Rajini N, et al. Influence of slicing parameters on surface quality and mechanical properties of 3D-printed CF/PLA composites fabricated by FDM technique. Materials Technology. 2022;37(9):1008-25.
  42. Valvez S, Silva AP, Reis PN, et al. Annealing effect on mechanical properties of 3D printed composites. Procedia Structural Integrity. 2022;37:738-45.
  43. Holcomb G, Caldona EB, Cheng X, et al. On the optimized 3D printing and post-processing of PETG materials. MRS communications. 2022;12(3):381-7.
  44. Tejedor J, Cevallos PD, Coro ES, et al. Effects of annealing on the mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of 3D-printed PLA aged in salt water. Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures. 2025;32(10):2307-21.
  45. Li H, Mu Y, Wang Q, Cai D, et al. Interlayer enhancement of 3D printed CF/PLA composites via localized microwave welding and annealing-induced crystallization. Composites Part B: Engineering. 2024;284:111737.
  46. Ravi VC, Zagabathuni A. Synergistic Effects of Pyrolytic Carbon Reinforcement and Annealing on the Structural, Mechanical, and Tribological properties of SLA 3D printed PLA Composites. Materials Chemistry and Physics. 2025;27:131508.
  47. Gupta A, Fidan I, Hasanov S, et al. Processing, mechanical characterization, and micrography of 3D-printed short carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate polymer matrix composite material. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. 2020;107(7):3185-205.
  48. Butt J, Bhaskar R. Investigating the effects of annealing on the mechanical properties of FFF-printed thermoplastics. Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing. 2020;4(2):38.
  49. Sayam A, Rahman AM, Rahman MS, et al. A review on carbon fiber-reinforced hierarchical composites: mechanical performance, manufacturing process, structural applications and allied challenges. Carbon Letters. 2022;32(5):1173-205.
  50. Rajak DK, Wagh PH, Linul E. Manufacturing technologies of carbon/glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites and their properties: A review. Polymers. 2021;13(21):3721.
  51. Alshammari BA, Alsuhybani MS, Almushaikeh AM, et al. Comprehensive review of the properties and modifications of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites. Polymers. 2021;13(15):2474.
  52. Nitai AS, Chowdhury T, Inam MN, et al. Carbon fiber and carbon fiber composites—creating defects for superior material properties. Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials. 2024;7(5):1
Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 01
Received 18/11/2025
Accepted 01/12/2025
Published 27/01/2026
Publication Time 70 Days
129

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics