scholarly journals Aging of 3D Printed Polymers under Sterilizing UV-C Radiation

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 4467
Author(s):  
Catalin Gheorghe Amza ◽  
Aurelian Zapciu ◽  
Florin Baciu ◽  
Mihai Ion Vasile ◽  
Diana Popescu
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Practical Importance ◽  
Accelerated Aging ◽  
Antimicrobial Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Material Structure ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Uv C

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, shortwave ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths between 200 nm and 280 nm (UV-C) is seeing increased usage in the sterilization of medical equipment, appliances, and spaces due to its antimicrobial effect. During the first weeks of the pandemic, healthcare facilities experienced a shortage of personal protective equipment. This led to hospital technicians, private companies, and even members of the public to resort to 3D printing in order to produce fast, on-demand resources. This paper analyzes the effect of accelerated aging through prolonged exposure to UV-C on mechanical properties of parts 3D printed by material extrusion (MEX) from common polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate-glycol (PETG). Samples 3D printed from these materials went through a 24-h UV-C exposure aging cycle and were then tested versus a control group for changes in mechanical properties. Both tensile and compressive strength were determined, as well as changes in material creep properties. Prolonged UV-C exposure reduced the mechanical properties of PLA by 6–8% and of PETG by over 30%. These findings are of practical importance for those interested in producing functional MEX parts intended to be sterilized using UV-C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed in order to assess any changes in material structure.

scholarly journals Accelerated Aging Effect on Mechanical Properties of Common 3D-Printing Polymers

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 4132
Author(s):  
Catalin Gheorghe Amza ◽  
Aurelian Zapciu ◽  
Florin Baciu ◽  
Mihai Ion Vasile ◽  
Adrian Ionut Nicoara
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Accelerated Aging ◽  
Aging Treatment ◽  
Aging Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Outdoor Environments ◽  
3D Printed

In outdoor environments, the action of the Sun through its ultraviolet radiation has a degrading effect on most materials, with polymers being among those affected. In the past few years, 3D printing has seen an increased usage in fabricating parts for functional applications, including parts destined for outdoor use. This paper analyzes the effect of accelerated aging through prolonged exposure to UV-B on the mechanical properties of parts 3D printed from the commonly used polymers polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate–glycol (PETG). Samples 3D printed from these materials went through a dry 24 h UV-B exposure aging treatment and were then tested against a control group for changes in mechanical properties. Both the tensile and compressive strengths were determined, as well as changes in material creep characteristics. After irradiation, PLA and PETG parts saw significant decreases in both tensile strength (PLA: −5.3%; PETG: −36%) and compression strength (PLA: −6.3%; PETG: −38.3%). Part stiffness did not change significantly following the UV-B exposure and creep behavior was closely connected to the decrease in mechanical properties. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fractographic analysis was carried out to better understand the failure mechanism and material structural changes in tensile loaded, accelerated aged parts.

scholarly journals Fabrication of Polycaprolactone/Nano Hydroxyapatite (PCL/nHA) 3D Scaffold with Enhanced In Vitro Cell Response via Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1394
Author(s):  
Yong Sang Cho ◽  
So-Jung Gwak ◽  
Young-Sam Cho
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Cell Response ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Structure Design ◽  
Compressive Modulus ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Design For Additive Manufacturing ◽  
3D Scaffold ◽  
3D Printed

In this study, we investigated the dual-pore kagome-structure design of a 3D-printed scaffold with enhanced in vitro cell response and compared the mechanical properties with 3D-printed scaffolds with conventional or offset patterns. The compressive modulus of the 3D-printed scaffold with the proposed design was found to resemble that of the 3D-printed scaffold with a conventional pattern at similar pore sizes despite higher porosity. Furthermore, the compressive modulus of the proposed scaffold surpassed that of the 3D-printed scaffold with conventional and offset patterns at similar porosities owing to the structural characteristics of the kagome structure. Regarding the in vitro cell response, cell adhesion, cell growth, and ALP concentration of the proposed scaffold for 14 days was superior to those of the control group scaffolds. Consequently, we found that the mechanical properties and in vitro cell response of the 3D-printed scaffold could be improved by kagome and dual-pore structures through DfAM. Moreover, we revealed that the dual-pore structure is effective for the in vitro cell response compared to the structures possessing conventional and offset patterns.

An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Gamma Radiation on 3D Printed ABS for In-Space Manufacturing Purposes

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Behzad Rankouhi ◽  
Fereidoon Delfanian ◽  
Robert McTaggart ◽  
Todd Letcher
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Fused Deposition Modeling ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Surface Hardness ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Radiation Environment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
3D Printed

The following work is presented as a preliminary study on the effects of gamma irradiation on mechanical properties of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) as an in-space 3D printing feedstock to investigate the forthcoming possibilities of this technology for future space exploration missions. 3D printed testing samples were irradiated at different dosages from 1 to 1400 kGy (1 Gray (Gy) = 1 J/kg = 100 rad) using a Cobalt-60 gamma irradiator to simulate space radiation environment. Testing samples were manufactured using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with a Makerbot Replicator 2x 3D printer. The correlation between the mechanical properties of irradiated samples and accumulated radiation dosage were evaluated by a series of tensile and flexural tests. Furthermore, Shore hardness tests were conducted to evaluate changes in surface hardness of irradiated parts. Finally, results were compared with a control group of samples. Findings showed a significant decrease in mechanical performance and noticeable changes in appearance of the parts with accumulated dosage of 1000 kGy and higher. However, for dosages below 10 kGy, samples showed no significant decrease in mechanical performance or change in appearance. These results were used to predict the life of a 3D printed part on board the International Space Station (ISS), on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, in deep space and long duration missions.

scholarly journals Comparing Properties of Variable Pore-Sized 3D-Printed PLA Membrane with Conventional PLA Membrane for Guided Bone/Tissue Regeneration

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Yang Zhang ◽  
Heng Bo Jiang ◽  
Jeong-Hyun Ryu ◽  
Hyojin Kang ◽  
Kwang-Mahn Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Bone Tissue Regeneration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Barrier Membranes ◽  
Pore Sizes ◽  
Small Pore ◽  
Superior Mechanical Properties ◽  
3D Printed

The aim of this study was to fabricate bioresorbable polylactide (PLA) membranes by 3D printing and compare their properties to those of the membranes fabricated by the conventional method and compare the effect of different pore sizes on the properties of the 3D-printed membranes. PLA membranes with three different pore sizes (large pore-479 μm, small pore-273 μm, and no pore) were 3D printed, and membranes fabricated using the conventional solvent casting method were used as the control group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) were taken to observe the morphology and obtain the porosity of the four groups. A tensile test was performed to compare the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break of the membranes. Preosteoblast cells were cultured on the membranes for 1, 3 and 7 days, followed by a WST assay and SEM, to examine the cell proliferation on different groups. As a result, the 3D-printed membranes showed superior mechanical properties to those of the solvent cast membranes, and the 3D-printed membranes exhibited different advantageous mechanical properties depending on the different pore sizes. The various fabrication methods and pore sizes did not have significantly different effects on cell growth. It is proven that 3D printing is a promising method for the fabrication of customized barrier membranes used in GBR/GTR.

Mechanical Performance Analysis of ULTEM 9085 in a Heated, Irradiated Environment

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew B. Ng ◽  
Sean N. Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Radiation Environment ◽  
Inspection System ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Inspection Systems ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Cost Efficient

This paper investigates the thermal and radiation performance of 3D-printed ULTEM materials following ASTM standard D638. ULTEM is a thermoplastic in the polyetherimide (PEI) family that is regularly used as a high-grade material for 3D printing. This material has similar properties to polyether ether ketone (PEEK), which is another thermoplastic that has strong mechanical properties at elevated temperature conditions. While PEEK has stronger mechanical properties, ULTEM is significantly more cost efficient to acquire and process via 3D printing. Also, most 3D printers are unable to utilize PEEK because of the significantly higher temperature requirements this material imposes on a 3D printer. This work is motivated by the need to rapidly deploy robotic inspection systems within a nuclear canister environment, which exposes the material to temperatures up to 170°C (340°F), and radiation levels of 270 Gy/hr (27 krad/hr), which are significantly beyond that of conventional 3D-printed parts. The design analysis was performed via an experiment consisting of three treatment groups of dogbone ULTEM test pieces. After tensile testing all of the pieces, the material properties were compared to those of the control group. These results allow manufacturers to select a more cost-effective material to build parts to operate in such a harsh high-temperature, high-radiation environment, which could include applications in both space systems and nuclear inspection robotics. Specifically, the results were used to guide the development of a robust robotic inspection system for the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) by replacing complex parts with easily-fabricated 3D-printed ULTEM pieces.

scholarly journals Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Polymer 3D Printed Parts

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 562
Author(s):  
Catalin Gheorghe Amza ◽  
Aurelian Zapciu ◽  
George Constantin ◽  
Florin Baciu ◽  
Mihai Ion Vasile
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Compressive Strength ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Injection Molding ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vertical Orientation ◽  
3D Print ◽  
3D Printed

Parts made from thermoplastic polymers fabricated through 3D printing have reduced mechanical properties compared to those fabricated through injection molding. This paper analyzes a post-processing heat treatment aimed at enhancing mechanical properties of 3D printed parts, in order to reduce the difference mentioned above and thus increase their applicability in functional applications. Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) polymer is used to 3D print test parts with 100% infill. After printing, samples are packed in sodium chloride powder and then heat treated at a temperature of 220 °C for 5 to 15 min. During heat treatment, the powder acts as support, preventing deformation of the parts. Results of destructive testing experiments show a significant increase in tensile and compressive strength following heat treatment. Treated parts 3D printed in vertical orientation, usually the weakest, display 143% higher tensile strength compared to a control group, surpassing the tensile strength of untreated parts printed in horizontal orientation—usually the strongest. Furthermore, compressive strength increases by 50% following heat treatment compared to control group. SEM analysis reveals improved internal structure after heat treatment. These results show that the investigated heat treatment increases mechanical characteristics of 3D printed PETG parts, without the downside of severe part deformation, thus reducing the performance gap between 3D printing and injection molding when using common polymers.

Antimicrobial Effect of 940 nm Diode Laser based on Photolysis of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Treatment of Periodontal Disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 2081-2088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alin Alexandru Odor ◽  
Edwin Sever Bechir ◽  
Deborah Violant ◽  
Victoria Badea
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Laser Therapy ◽  
Diode Laser ◽  
Antimicrobial Effect ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Periodontal Bacteria ◽  
Severe Periodontitis ◽  
Before And After

Moderate and severe periodontitis represents a challenge in the non-surgical periodontal therapy. Due to the lack of evidence regarding the antimicrobial effectiveness of 940 nm diode laser in periodontal treatment, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) photolysis performed with 940 nm diode laser in the treatment of moderate and severe periodontitis. Twenty-five patients with 100 teeth were selected for this pilot study. The test teeth were randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups: Group 1: scaling and root planning (SRP) (control group); and the following experimental groups: Group 2: H2O2; Group 3: 940 nm diode laser therapy; Group 4: 940 nm diode laser therapy and H2O2. Clinical examinations, like probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were performed before and after the treatment. The microbiological evaluation, effectuated before and after the treatment, included nine periodontal bacteria species and investigated by means of real-time PCR assay. The clinical and bacterial differences in the tested groups, was assessed between control group and the other three experimental groups, as well as between the experimental groups. The total bacteria load was reduced for all four studied groups. Group 4 (diode laser + H2O2) showed significant bacterial reduction of the major periodontal bacteria like Pg., Tf., Td., Pi., Pm., Fn (p[0.001) than the other 3 groups (p]0.001). Also the periodontal clinical parameters, like PD, CAL and BOP showed a significant reduction after the photolysis of H2O2 with the 940 nm diode laser (p[0.001). Differences between tested groups showed a significant beneficial results in regard to Group 4.It is suggested that the photoactivation of H2O2 with the 940 nm diode laser can be used successfully in adjunctive to the non-surgical periodontal treatment as a bactericidal tool.

Influence of slicing parameters on surface quality and mechanical properties of 3D-printed CF/PLA composites fabricated by FDM technique

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
N. Vinoth Babu ◽  
N. Venkateshwaran ◽  
N. Rajini ◽  
Sikiru Oluwarotimi Ismail ◽  
Faruq Mohammad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Surface Quality ◽  
3D Printed

scholarly journals The Effect of Different Types of Internal Curing Liquid on the Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag (AAS) Mortar

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2407
Author(s):  
Guang-Zhu Zhang ◽  
Xiao-Yong Wang ◽  
Tae-Wan Kim ◽  
Jong-Yeon Lim ◽  
Yi Han
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Compressive Strength ◽  
Deionized Water ◽  
Internal Curing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Alkali Activated Slag ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Naoh Solution ◽  
Activated Slag ◽  
Alkali Activated

This study shows the effect of different types of internal curing liquid on the properties of alkali-activated slag (AAS) mortar. NaOH solution and deionized water were used as the liquid internal curing agents and zeolite sand was the internal curing agent that replaced the standard sand at 15% and 30%, respectively. Experiments on the mechanical properties, hydration kinetics, autogenous shrinkage (AS), internal temperature, internal relative humidity, surface electrical resistivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and setting time were performed. The conclusions are as follows: (1) the setting times of AAS mortars with internal curing by water were longer than those of internal curing by NaOH solution. (2) NaOH solution more effectively reduces the AS of AAS mortars than water when used as an internal curing liquid. (3) The cumulative heat of the AAS mortar when using water for internal curing is substantially reduced compared to the control group. (4) For the AAS mortars with NaOH solution as an internal curing liquid, compared with the control specimen, the compressive strength results are increased. However, a decrease in compressive strength values occurs when water is used as an internal curing liquid in the AAS mortar. (5) The UPV decreases as the content of zeolite sand that replaces the standard sand increases. (6) When internal curing is carried out with water as the internal curing liquid, the surface resistivity values of the AAS mortar are higher than when the alkali solution is used as the internal curing liquid. To sum up, both NaOH and deionized water are effective as internal curing liquids, but the NaOH solution shows a better performance in terms of reducing shrinkage and improving mechanical properties than deionized water.

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