3D printing materials for generators of active particles based on electrical discharges

In this study, we focus our attention on the impact of ozone (O-3) and ultraviolet radiation (UV) on materials usable for three-dimensional (3D) printing. Specifically, we have studied the potential degradative effect on the most commonly used filaments, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). The effect has been examined on objects printed on a 3D printer and on the materials of discharge chambers of O-3 generators from which they were printed. For the purpose of adequate assessment of the actual impact of O-3 and UV, samples were monitored for a period of 18-hr of exposure. The methods of Raman spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) have been employed for an objective evaluation of potential modifications. A generator equipped with a chamber printed from a new PLA filament and an active electrode system in the form of a stripes electrode, or more precisely, in the second case, a honeycomb-active electrode, both cut out of a thin copper foil, was used for the generation of O-3 and UV radiation. The tested materials showed substantial resistance to O-3 exposure under the test conditions. The result of measurements suggested that these materials could be used for chambers for the O-3 as well as for active particle generation.