The composite materials find their application in almost all industries, viz.
automobile, aircraft, spacecraft, construction. Polymer composites replace traditional
metal matrix composites due to their light weight, high stiffness, and strength with
respect to weight. Extensive research is being carried out by introducing reinforcing
fibers in the polymer matrix to make the composite more functional, versatile, and on
par with the metal composites. The increase in environmental awareness towards
sustainability has attracted researchers to utilize natural fibers in polymer composites.
The conventional way of preparing fiber-reinforced polymer composites are
compression moulding, injection moulding, etc. With the progression of industry 4.0,
the manufacturing industry has been shifted towards additive manufacturing, which
serves as one of the pillars of industry 4.0. In this context, the manufacturing of
polymer composites with natural fibers through additive manufacturing is gaining
importance to provide sustainable development. This chapter integrates the review of
existing literature to categorize various additive manufacturing technologies being
adopted for natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRPC). It also critically
analyses the challenges and opportunities associated with additive manufacturing of
NFRPC.
Keywords: Additive manufacturing, Composites, Natural fiber, 3D printing.
