Effect of UV-C Radiation on 3D Printed ABS-PC Polymers

Abstract

During the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare facilities experienced severe shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies. Employing 3D printing to rapidly fabricate functional parts and equipment was one of the emergency solutions used to tackle these shortages. Using ultraviolet light in the UV-C band (wavelengths of 200 nm to 280 nm) might prove useful in sterilizing 3D printed parts, enabling their reusability. Most polymers, however, degrade under UV-C radiation, so it becomes necessary to determine what 3D printing materials can withstand the conditions found during medical equipment sterilization with UV-C. This paper analyzes the effect of accelerated aging through prolonged exposure to UV-C on the mechanical properties of parts 3D printed from a polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer (ABS-PC). Samples 3D printed using a material extrusion process (MEX) went through a 24-h UV-C exposure aging cycle and then were tested versus a control group for changes in tensile strength, compressive strength and some selected material creep characteristics. Testing showed minimal mechanical property degradation following the irradiation procedure, with tensile strength being statistically the same for irradiated parts as those in the control group. Irradiated parts showed small losses in stiffness (5.2%) and compressive strength (6.5%). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed in order to assess if any changes occurred in the material structure.

Robust and Superhydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxane/Ni@Ti3C2Tx Nanocomposite Coatings with Assembled Eyelash-Like Microstructure Array: A New Approach for Effective Passive Anti-Icing and Active Photothermal Deicing

“…In general, polymers are easily degraded under UV radiation, with the high-energy photons capable of breaking covalent bonds, thereby weakening hydrophobicity and stability, especially in polymers containing CC double bonds. However, PDMS, primarily composed of silicon–oxygen bonds, exhibits high chemical inertness, strong weather resistance, and excellent resistance to UV radiation . The hydrophobic modifier PDMS used in this work not only acts as an adhesive but, more importantly, serves as a surface protectant.…”

“…However, PDMS, primarily composed of silicon−oxygen bonds, exhibits high chemical inertness, strong weather resistance, and excellent resistance to UV radiation. 57 The hydrophobic modifier PDMS used in this work not only acts as an adhesive but, more importantly, serves as a surface protectant. As illustrated in Figure 14b 1 , a 24 h xenon lamp irradiation and water droplet flushing experiment was conducted.…”

The Aging of Polymers under Electromagnetic Radiation

“…The effect of UV radiation on the aging of 3D polymers has been examined by various researchers. For instance, Amza et al [ 64 ] examined the deterioration of polymeric materials exposed to UV radiation to determine those that can withstand band wavelengths of 200 nm to 280 nm as a mechanism for sterilizing parts of personal protective equipment with 3D-printed parts. Amza et al [ 64 ] argued that identifying the polymers that withstand UV radiation of given wavelengths is important in fostering their reusability.…”

“…For instance, Amza et al [ 64 ] examined the deterioration of polymeric materials exposed to UV radiation to determine those that can withstand band wavelengths of 200 nm to 280 nm as a mechanism for sterilizing parts of personal protective equipment with 3D-printed parts. Amza et al [ 64 ] argued that identifying the polymers that withstand UV radiation of given wavelengths is important in fostering their reusability. However, Amza et al [ 64 ] noted that most polymers degrade when exposed to UV radiation, making it integral to determine 3D materials’ ability to withstand sterilization.…”

“…Amza et al [ 64 ] argued that identifying the polymers that withstand UV radiation of given wavelengths is important in fostering their reusability. However, Amza et al [ 64 ] noted that most polymers degrade when exposed to UV radiation, making it integral to determine 3D materials’ ability to withstand sterilization. For instance, using 3D-printed parts of a polymer, Amza et al [ 64 ] investigated the impacts of accelerated aging by exposing them to UV radiation to determine their mechanical properties.…”