Green Composites in Additive Manufacturing: A Combined Review and Bibliometric Exploration

Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in the additive manufacturing of green composites, with a particular focus on their mechanical behavior. A bibliometric analysis of 482 research articles indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection and published between 2015 and 2025 reveals a sharp increase in publications, with dominant contributions from countries such as China, India, and the United States, as well as strong collaboration networks centered on materials science and polymer engineering. Thematic clustering highlights a growing emphasis on natural fiber reinforcement, biodegradable matrices, and performance optimization. Despite these advances, few studies have combined bibliometric analysis with a technical evaluation of mechanical performance, leaving a gap in understanding the relationship between research trends and material or process optimization. Building on these insights, the review synthesizes current knowledge on material composition, print parameters, infill design, and post-processing, identifying their combined effects on tensile strength, stiffness, and durability. The study concludes that multi-variable optimization—encompassing fiber-matrix compatibility, print architecture, and thermal control—is essential to achieving eco-efficient and high-performance green composites in additive manufacturing.