Udane Olaziregi, Aritz Esnaola, Maider Baskaran, Jon Aurrekoetxea
{"title":"Integrating additively manufactured continuous glass fibre inserts in compression moulding: A novel approach to mitigating fibre–matrix separation effect","authors":"Udane Olaziregi, Aritz Esnaola, Maider Baskaran, Jon Aurrekoetxea","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.109497","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a novel approach to mitigate fibre–matrix separation defects in compression-moulded thermoplastic composite components by integrating additively manufactured (3D-printed) continuous fibre-reinforced inserts into the stiffener ribs. The design of these inserts was guided by topology optimisation and refined to align with additive manufacturing principles. The feasibility of embedding 3D-printed inserts was demonstrated, yielding hybrid parts with consistent quality, accurate positioning, and a defect-free insert/moulded part interface. Mechanical testing under three-point bending revealed substantial performance gains: stiffness, strength, deflection, and energy absorption improved by factors of up to 1.5, 3.5, 1.4, and 12, respectively. A 45 % reduction in insert thickness further enhanced manufacturability and interfacial bonding, shifting the failure mode from interfacial delamination at the rib base to fibre rupture at the rib tip. Despite the reduced material volume, stiffness decreased by only ∼17 %, while strength remained stable and toughness improved significantly.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":282,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 109497"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2000,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","FirstCategoryId":"1","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359835X25007924","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2025/12/8 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"ENGINEERING, MANUFACTURING","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study presents a novel approach to mitigate fibre–matrix separation defects in compression-moulded thermoplastic composite components by integrating additively manufactured (3D-printed) continuous fibre-reinforced inserts into the stiffener ribs. The design of these inserts was guided by topology optimisation and refined to align with additive manufacturing principles. The feasibility of embedding 3D-printed inserts was demonstrated, yielding hybrid parts with consistent quality, accurate positioning, and a defect-free insert/moulded part interface. Mechanical testing under three-point bending revealed substantial performance gains: stiffness, strength, deflection, and energy absorption improved by factors of up to 1.5, 3.5, 1.4, and 12, respectively. A 45 % reduction in insert thickness further enhanced manufacturability and interfacial bonding, shifting the failure mode from interfacial delamination at the rib base to fibre rupture at the rib tip. Despite the reduced material volume, stiffness decreased by only ∼17 %, while strength remained stable and toughness improved significantly.
期刊介绍:
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing is a comprehensive journal that publishes original research papers, review articles, case studies, short communications, and letters covering various aspects of composite materials science and technology. This includes fibrous and particulate reinforcements in polymeric, metallic, and ceramic matrices, as well as 'natural' composites like wood and biological materials. The journal addresses topics such as properties, design, and manufacture of reinforcing fibers and particles, novel architectures and concepts, multifunctional composites, advancements in fabrication and processing, manufacturing science, process modeling, experimental mechanics, microstructural characterization, interfaces, prediction and measurement of mechanical, physical, and chemical behavior, and performance in service. Additionally, articles on economic and commercial aspects, design, and case studies are welcomed. All submissions undergo rigorous peer review to ensure they contribute significantly and innovatively, maintaining high standards for content and presentation. The editorial team aims to expedite the review process for prompt publication.