Abstract

Additive manufacturing provides a broad range of applications and o�ers significant
advantages over conventional molding methods. One of the advantages with
additive manufacturing is its high e�ciency of feedstock utilization. Although, the
most common polymer and metallic composites feedstocks used within additive manufacturing
are normally obtained from ine�cient, and non-sustainable sources. This
contribution explores the 3D printability of a new material based on silicone and
hemp �bers from renewable, sustainable and non-petroleum resources with the aim
of enhancing mechanical properties of silicone.
To improve composites printing technology, it's required to discover the desired
mixing composition. At �rst, to determine the proper amount of �bers, samples were
fabricated by molding. Incorporation of �bers improved the mechanical properties of
the silicone matrix. However, �bers distribution within the matrix adversely a�ected
the printability of silicone due to the resulting high viscosity. Therefore, behavior
of the new manufactured material with varying �ber and solvent composition was
analyzed using rheological study to obtain a printable material. The composition
containing 15 (wt%) hemp �bers and 20 (wt%) solvent with enhanced mechanical
properties displayed desirable printability. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the
3D printed and molded samples were studied. The results revealed that 3D printed
samples outperformed the molded counterparts in tensile strength and hardness. Finally,
a simple gripper and honeycomb structure were fabricated to demonstrate the
application of the developed material.