Mechanical and Thermal Performance of PETG Composites Reinforced with Short Carbon Fibers via Fused Filament Fabrication

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Ananda M N,

  • Sudheer Reddy J,

  1. Assistant Professor, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  2. Professor, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

The study investigates the fabrication and characterization of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) composites reinforced with short carbon fibers (CF) using the fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique. Composite filaments with varying CF weight fractions (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were produced and evaluated for their mechanical, thermal, and morphological performance. The influence of CF reinforcement on tensile, flexural, and impact behavior was systematically examined, alongside thermal stability metrics including heat deflection temperature (HDT) and glass transition temperature (Tg). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to examine fiber distribution, fracture surface characteristics, and the quality of interlayer bonding. The results revealed a substantial improvement in mechanical properties with increasing CF content. Tensile strength improved from ~51 MPa (neat PETG) to ~68 MPa at 20 wt% CF, while Young’s modulus increased by 60%. Flexural strength and modulus similarly rose by 44% and 76%, respectively. Thermal analysis showed a rise in HDT from 70 °C to 83 °C, and Tg increased from 81.5 °C to 83.6 °C, indicating improved heat resistance. Nevertheless, as the fiber content increased, the elongation at break declined, indicating greater brittleness. SEM images confirmed good fiber–matrix bonding up to 10 wt% CF, with agglomeration and voids emerging at higher loadings. Overall, CF-reinforced PETG composites produced via FFF demonstrate significant potential for engineering applications demanding high stiffness and thermal performance. An optimal balance between strength and processability was observed around 10-15 wt% CF. These findings offer a scalable pathway for high-performance, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics in additive manufacturing.

Keywords: PETG, Carbon Fiber, Fused Filament Fabrication, Mechanical Properties, Thermal Conductivity, Microstructure, Composite Filaments.

How to cite this article:
Ananda M N, Sudheer Reddy J. Mechanical and Thermal Performance of PETG Composites Reinforced with Short Carbon Fibers via Fused Filament Fabrication. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Ananda M N, Sudheer Reddy J. Mechanical and Thermal Performance of PETG Composites Reinforced with Short Carbon Fibers via Fused Filament Fabrication. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=237574


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
01
Received 08/08/2025
Accepted 26/08/2025
Published 24/02/2026
Publication Time 200 Days
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