| AVS 66th International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| Fundamental Aspects of Material Degradation Focus Topic | Thursday Sessions |
| Session DM1+BI+SS-ThA |
| Session: | Low Fouling Interfaces and Environmental Degradation |
| Presenter: | Arash Afshar, Mercer University |
| Authors: | D. Mihut, Mercer University A. Afshar, Mercer University P. Chen, Mercer University |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
Three dimensional printing is a promising technique for producing complex geometries and high precision structures from different types of materials. The technique is particularly attractive for polymeric materials due to the cost effectiveness; however when compared to other manufacturing techniques the resulting structures have low mechanical properties and low performance as exposed to harsh environmental conditions. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PLA (polylactic acid) are common thermoplastic polymers used for many applications (e.g. electrical and electronic assemblies, medical devices, implants, toys). For this research, the ABS and PLA specimens for tensile and flexural testing were 3D manufactured according to standards and their mechanical properties were tested using hardness tester, and Mark-10 tensile testing equipment. In order to simulate outdoor environmental conditions while avoiding the uncertainties associated with it, specimens were exposed to controlled environmental chamber. Accelerated exposure was performed using a UV radiation/condensation (Q-Lab QUV/basic) accelerated weathering tester. ABS and PLA samples were exposed to UV radiation, high temperature and moisture cycles for different time intervals. Some ABS samples were coated with optically thick metallic materials (silver and copper) using high vacuum DC magnetron sputtering deposition system and were later exposed to UV radiation, high temperature and moisture cycles using same conditions as for un-coated samples. The surface and cross section morphology of samples and the adhesion of metallic layers to the polymer substrates were examined using scanning electron microscopy and laser scanning microscopy. The crystalline structure of the metallic coatings was analyzed using X-ray Diffraction technique. The mechanical properties were characterized using flexural and hardness tests over the exposure time. The metallic thin films improved the surface resistance of the substrate materials and enhanced the mechanical behavior of samples exposed to harsh environmental conditions.