Effect of substrate fabric characteristics on the peel strength of 3D-printed composite fabrics

Abstract This study aimed to analyze those factors affecting the adhesion between substrate fabrics and 3D printing filaments by evaluating the influence of fabric surface characteristics, fiber composition, yarn type, and the fabric’s structure. The results showed that among nylon, PET, and cotton, nylon demonstrated the highest peel strength; however, overall, surface characteristics had a more significant impact on adhesion than fiber composition, and in terms of yarn type, fabrics made from staple fibers had higher peel strength than those made from filament yarns, which is probably due to the rougher surface of staple yarns enhancing adhesion. Regarding fabric structure, among woven, knitted, and nonwoven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics demonstrated the highest peel strength, confirming that the structure and density of the fabric play a crucial role in adhesion. It was also found conclusively that fabric surface roughness and porosity affect peel strength significantly, with rougher surfaces and higher porosity leading to increased adhesion. This is because rougher surfaces provide more area for adhesion, and higher porosity allows the molten 3D filament to penetrate more easily between the fibers, thereby improving adhesion. This study provides practical guidelines for improving the adhesion characteristics of 3D-printed composite fabrics.