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Impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Analysis of institutional authors

Lizarralde, IAuthorFernandez Gorgojo, AndreaAuthor

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April 19, 2021
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Post-processing effects on microstructure, interlaminar and thermal properties of 3D printed continuous carbon fibre composites

Publicated to: COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING. 210 108652- - 2021-04-01 210(), DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2021.108652

Authors:

Pascual-González, C; San Martín, P; Lizarralde, ; Fernández, A; León, A; Lopes, CS; Fernández-Blázquez, JP
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Affiliations

Hexcel Composites SL, C Bruselas 10-16, Madrid 28983, Spain - Author
IMDEA Mat Inst, C Eric Kandel 2, Madrid 28906, Spain - Author
Luxembourg Inst Sci & Technol, 5 Ave Hauts Fourneaux, L-4362 Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg - Author
Univ Carlos III Madrid, Mat Sci & Engn Dept, Madrid, Spain - Author
Univ Politecn Madrid, Dept Mat Sci, ETS Ingn Caminos, Madrid 28040, Spain - Author
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Abstract

3D printing of continuous carbon fibre reinforced composites (CCFRC) based on fused filament fabrication (FFF) has a great potential for reproducing robust and complex geometries, generating little waste. However, 3D printed CCFRC present relatively poor interlaminar bonding and high void content in comparison to traditional composites. This work analyses the post-processing temperature effects on microstructure, interlaminar properties and thermal stability of the printed CCFRC. Treated pieces at 150 degrees C showed a reduction of porosity by approximately 87% and improved interlaminar strength by 145%, without modifying nominal dimensions. In addition, the increase in T-g (from 109 degrees C to 131 degrees C) is ascribed to a drying effect during the post-processing, which reduces the plasticisation of the treated parts and contributes to the general enhancement of mechanical properties of printed CCFRC coupons. The proposed post-processing moves this technology towards the development of functional composite components for high-performance structural applications.
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Keywords

3d printersCarbon fibre compositesCarbon fibre reinforced compositesComplex geometriesComposite structuresContinuous carbon fibre reinforced compositeFiber reinforced plasticsFunctional compositesFused filament fabricationGraphite fibersInterlaminar propertiesInterlaminar strengthMicrostructurePorosityPost processingPost-processingProcessingResponsible consumption and productionStructural applicationsTemperatureThermodynamic stability

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2021, it was in position 2/92, thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Engineering, Multidisciplinary. Notably, the journal is positioned above the 90th percentile.

From a relative perspective, and based on the normalized impact indicator calculated from World Citations provided by WoS (ESI, Clarivate), it yields a value for the citation normalization relative to the expected citation rate of: 6.83. This indicates that, compared to works in the same discipline and in the same year of publication, it ranks as a work cited above average. (source consulted: ESI Nov 13, 2025)

This information is reinforced by other indicators of the same type, which, although dynamic over time and dependent on the set of average global citations at the time of their calculation, consistently position the work at some point among the top 50% most cited in its field:

  • Weighted Average of Normalized Impact by the Scopus agency: 3.47 (source consulted: FECYT Mar 2025)

Specifically, and according to different indexing agencies, this work has accumulated citations as of 2026-04-25, the following number of citations:

  • WoS: 74
  • Scopus: 83
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Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2026-04-25:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 127 (PlumX).

It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

  • Assignment of a Handle/URN as an identifier within the deposit in the Institutional Repository: https://oa.upm.es/92603/

As a result of the publication of the work in the institutional repository, statistical usage data has been obtained that reflects its impact. In terms of dissemination, we can state that, as of

  • Views: 47
  • Downloads: 54
Continuing with the social impact of the work, it is important to emphasize that, due to its content, it can be assigned to the area of interest of ODS 12 - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, with a probability of 40% according to the mBERT algorithm developed by Aurora University.
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Leadership analysis of institutional authors

This work has been carried out with international collaboration, specifically with researchers from: Luxembourg.

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Project objectives

El presente estudio persigue los siguientes objetivos: analizar los efectos de la temperatura de post-procesado sobre la microestructura de composites impresos en 3D con fibra de carbono continua; evaluar la influencia de dicho post-procesado en las propiedades interlaminares de las piezas; determinar el impacto sobre la estabilidad térmica, incluyendo el aumento de la temperatura de transición vítrea (T-g) de 109 °C a 131 °C; cuantificar la reducción de porosidad en aproximadamente un 87% y la mejora en la resistencia interlaminar en un 145%; y caracterizar cómo estos cambios contribuyen a la mejora general de las propiedades mecánicas para avanzar en el desarrollo de componentes compuestos funcionales para aplicaciones estructurales de alto rendimiento.
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Most relevant results

Los resultados más relevantes del estudio se centran en los efectos del post-procesado térmico sobre composites de fibra de carbono continua impresos en 3D. En primer lugar, el tratamiento a 150 °C redujo la porosidad en aproximadamente un 87%. En segundo lugar, se observó una mejora del 145% en la resistencia interlaminar sin alterar las dimensiones nominales de las piezas. Además, la temperatura de transición vítrea (T-g) aumentó de 109 °C a 131 °C, atribuida a un efecto de secado durante el post-procesado. Estos cambios contribuyen a la mejora general de las propiedades mecánicas y térmicas de los composites impresos mediante fabricación aditiva.
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Awards linked to the item

The research leading to this publication received financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through project ADDICOMP (grant RTI2018-094435-B-C33). C. Pascual-Gonzalez acknowledges financial support of the Sistema Nacional de Garantia Juvenil from the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Spain (grant PEJD2017-POST/IND-4401). A. Fernandez acknowledges the FPU grant (FPU16/02223) supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports.
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