Quantifying Mechanical Abrasion of MWCNT Nanocomposites Used in 3D Printing: Influence of CNT Content on Abrasion Products and Rate of Microplastic Production

Abstract

Manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) are incorporated as “nanofillers” into consumer products to enhance properties of interest. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are known for their unique properties and have many applications in polymers. However, the release of MWCNTs during the nanoenabled product life cycle is concerning. During the use phase, mechanical stresses can produce fragmented materials containing MNMs. The degree of MNM release, the resulting exposure to these materials, and the potential impacts of their release are active research topics. In this study, we describe methodological improvements to study the abrasion of plastics containing MNMs (nanocomposites) and report on characteristics of abrasion products produced and rates of microplastic production. The abrasion device developed for this work allows for the measurement of power inputs to determine scaled release rates. Abrasion rates for plastics used in 3D printing were found to be 0.27 g/m2/s for the PETG polymer and 0.3 g/m2/s for the 2% MWCNT–PETG nanocomposite. Embedded and protuberant MWCNTs appeared to impact the particle size, shape, hydrophobicity, and surface charge of the microplastics, while the inclusion of MWCNTs had a small effect on microplastic production. Measurements of power input to the abrasion process provided a basis for estimating microplastic production rates for these nanocomposites.

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“…To simulate abrasion conditions representative of actual product use, further methods development and studies will be required; this initial standard method was applied as proof of concept, in line with work on other product matrices. Using methods and equations from Sipe et al and Bossa et al [ 19 , 22 ], the abrasion rate was calculated in units of grams released per surface area of product tested over time (Fig. 2 ).…”

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“…Potter et al [44] pointed out that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are added to 3D printer filaments to increase their conductivity. Bossa et al [63] studied polymers for 3D printing containing MWCNTs (multiwall carbon nanotubes) and found that microplastics are released through abrasion. Overall, the chemical composition of particles produced by 3D printing is very heterogeneous and influenced by the filament, the chemicals in the printer itself, and its operating conditions.…”

Pulmonary Surfactant Homeostasis Dysfunction Mediates Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Induced Lung Fibrosis via Elevating Surface Tension

“…Effects that nanopollution exacts on human health and the environment generated from the production and application of nanomaterials have been a pressing problem to be solved. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), a kind of nanomaterial that excels in mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties, are widely used in high-tech fields including electronics, structural engineering, medicine, and hydrogen fuel cells. − Due to the increase in MWCNTs production, humans are under a growing risk of being exposed to MWCNTs, especially the pathway of environmental exposure. , It is reported that the global demand for carbon nanotubes will reach >50,000 tons per year in a few years, which causes widespread concerns about whether MWCNTs will endanger our health. MWCNT-7 was classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) in 2014 and added to the SIN List in 2019. , The existence of carbon nanotubes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) or lung cells from victims of the 2001 World Trade Center attack and asthmatic Parisian children highlights the reality of chronic carbon nanotube exposure and toxicity. , Hence, it is important to assess the potential adverse health effects of MWCNTs via environmental or occupational exposure.…”