Micromechanical models for predicting the mechanical properties of 3D-printed wood/PLA composite materials: A comparison with experimental data

Analytic modeling of 3 D printed natural fiber-reinforced composites is still in its infancy. The existing analytic works on the mechanical properties of these materials seem to be relatively few in spite of their practical interest. However, the mechanical properties are one of the most important parameters that define the structural behavior of the material. A micromechanical approach is used in the present study, to predict the elastic properties of 3 D printed wood/PLA composites (WPC). The results of the micromechanical models were validated using the experimental data. The comparison revealed a good correlation with the Mori-Tanaka model, which the maximum deviations were lower than 20%. Moreover, a parametric study showed that the elastic properties of the composites depended strongly on the fiber content, the fiber shape, and the porosity rate.

Automated summary

Analytic modeling of 3D printed natural fiber-reinforced composites is still in its early stages, with mechanical properties playing a crucial role in defining the structural behavior of the material. The elastic properties of wood/PLA composites were predicted using a micromechanical approach and validated through experimental data, showing a good correlation with the Mori-Tanaka model. Furthermore, a parametric study revealed that the elastic properties of the composites were strongly influenced by fiber content, fiber shape, and porosity rate.