The 3D printing process allows complex structures to be obtained with low environmental impact using biodegradable materials. This work aims to develop and acoustically characterize 3D-printed panels using three types of materials, each manufactured at five infill densities (20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%) with three internal configurations based on circular, triangular, and corrugated profiles. The highest absorption coefficient values (α = 0.93) were obtained from the acoustic tests for the polylactic acid material with ground birch wood particles in the triangular configuration with an infill density of 40%. The triangular profile showed the best acoustic performance for the three types of materials analysed and, from the point of view of the mechanical tests, it was highlighted that the same triangular configuration presented the highest resistance both to compression (40 MPa) and to three-point bending (50 MPa). The 40% and 60% infill density gave the highest absorption coefficient values regardless of the material analyzed. The mechanical tests for compression and three-point bending showed higher strength values for samples manufactured from simple polylactic acid filament compared to samples manufactured from ground wood particles. The standard defects of 3D printing and the failure modes of the interior configurations of the 3D-printed samples could be observed from the microscopic analysis of the panels. Based on the acoustic results and the determined mechanical properties, one application area for these types of 3D-printed panels could be the automotive and aerospace industries.

Sustainable building materials with excellent thermal stability and sound insulation are crucial for eco-friendly construction. This study investigates biocomposites made from cellulose pulp reinforced with beeswax, fir resin, and natural fillers like horsetail, rice flour, and fir needles. Eight formulations were obtained, and their thermal resistance, oxidation temperature, and acoustic properties were evaluated. Biocomposites exhibited significant improvements compared to conventional materials. Oxidation temperature onset increased by 60–70 °C compared to polyurethane foam or recycled textiles, reaching 280–290 °C. Sound absorption coefficients ranged from 0.15 to 0.78, with some formulations exceeding 0.5 across mid-frequencies, indicating good sound-dampening potential. These findings demonstrate the promise of these biocomposites for sustainable construction, offering a balance of thermal and acoustic performance alongside environmental and health benefits.

Sound-absorbing panels are widely used in the acoustic design of aircraft parts, buildings and vehicles as well as in sound insulation and absorption in areas with heavy traffic. This paper studied the acoustic properties of sound-absorbing panels manufactured with three nozzle diameters (0.4 mm, 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm) by 3D printing from three types of polylactic acid filaments (Grey Tough PLA; Black PLA Pro; Natural PLA) and with six internal configurations with labyrinthine zigzag channels (Z1 and Z2). The absorption coefficient of the sample with the Z2 pattern, a 5.33 mm height, a 0.6 mm nozzle diameter and with Black PLA Pro showed the maximum value (α = 0.93) for the nozzle diameter of 0.6 mm. Next in position were the three samples with the Z1 pattern (4 mm height) made from all three materials used and printed with a nozzle diameter of 0.4 mm with a sound absorption coefficient value (α = 0.91) at 500 Hz. The highest value of the sound transmission loss (56 dB) was found for the sample printed with a nozzle size of 0.8 mm with the Z2 pattern (8 mm height) and with Black PLA Pro. The extruded material, the nozzle diameter and the internal configuration had a significant impact on the acoustic performance of the 3D-printed samples.

The first part of this paper is dedicated to obtaining 3D-printed molds using poly lactic acid (PLA) incorporating specific patterns, which have the potential to serve as the foundation for sound-absorbing panels for various industries and aviation. The molding production process was utilized to create all-natural environmentally friendly composites. These composites mainly comprise paper, beeswax, and fir resin, including automotive function as the matrices and binders. In addition, fillers, such as fir needles, rice flour, and Equisetum arvense (horsetail) powder, were added in varying amounts to achieve the desired properties. The mechanical properties of the resulting green composites, including impact and compressive strength, as well as maximum bending force value, were evaluated. The morphology and internal structure of the fractured samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and an optical microscopy. The highest impact strength was measured for the composites with beeswax, fir needles, recyclable paper, and beeswax fir resin and recyclable paper, 19.42 and 19.32 kJ/m², respectively, while the highest compressive strength was 4 MPa for the beeswax and horsetail-based green composite. Natural-material-based composites exhibited 60% higher mechanical performance compared to similar commercial products used in the automotive industry.

This paper represents the study of bentonite matrix composite reinforced with ceramic (Al₂O₃ and SiC) and metallic (Al and Fe) particles for the production of filters. Ceramic powders were used to generate pores and metallic particles to control the pore size (to finish them). These materials were added to composites in two stages. In the first stage, the ceramic particles (Al₂O₃ and SiC) were added to the bentonite matrix, thus obtaining two types of composites. In the second stage, for each type of composite, metallic powders of Al and Fe were added. The composites was prepared by mixing the components, cold pressing for compaction in cylindrical samples and, at the end, sintering at 1250°C. The samples thus produced underwent studies by optical and electron microscopy, diffractometry, dilatometry and thermal analysis and tests to determine the compressive strength and the porosity. Thus, there was obtained useful information regarding the behaviour and impact of the reinforcing materials in the process of producing the composites, and on their impact on the final properties of the composites produced.

The paper aims to develop and characterize innovative composite materials for use in construction, with a focus on sustainability and improving mechanical properties. The study investigates the integration of recycled plastic waste, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP), into a clay and bentonite based ceramic matrix, with a view to obtaining environmentally friendly and efficient materials for structural applications. The composites were sintered at 1100 °C to ensure structural stability and the formation of ceramic phases, a process that significantly influences the final properties of the materials. The surfaces of the sintered materials were examined by microscopy to investigate the microstructure and the distribution and interaction between the polymer and ceramic phases. In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed to identify the crystalline phases formed after sintering and their influence on the properties of the material. Motivated by the need to reduce the environmental impact of conventional building materials and to recycle plastic waste, the research contributes to the development of sustainable solutions, promoting the circular economy and reducing the consumption of natural resources. The results obtained offer valuable insights into the compatibility between recycled polymer components and the ceramic matrix, as well as the potential of these composites for use in modern construction applications.