Global Developments in Additive Manufacturing of Polymer Composite Materials: A Scientometric Review
摘要
Digital fabrication technology, commonly known as 3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM), has revolutionized the conversion of digital designs into physical objects through layer-by-layer material deposition. This technology has gained extensive adoption across industries such as aerospace, healthcare, automotive, energy, and electronics, enabling mass customization, sustainable manufacturing, and the development of advanced composite materials. This study employs a scientometric approach to analyze global research trends in polymer composite AM from 2013 to 2023, assessing its growth, impact, and collaborative dynamics. The field has experienced a notable annual research growth rate of 50.92%, with a substantial increase in publications (532 papers) and active participation from 6,675 authors. The global research impact is evident, with an average citation rate of 21.94 citations per paper and international collaborations accounting for 23.53% of the total research output. India has emerged as a leading contributor in digital fabrication research, producing the highest number of published articles and research collaborations. Additionally, advancements in Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), multi-material printing, functionally graded materials, and AI-driven process optimization have significantly improved mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of polymer composites. This study serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals, offering insights into emerging trends, material developments, process innovations, and future directions in AM of polymer composites.