Atmospheric pressure air plasma treatment to improve the 3D printing of polyoxymethylene. Issue 7 (12th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muro‐Fraguas, Ignacio; Sainz‐García, Elisa; Pernía‐Espinoza, Alpha; Alba‐Elías, Fernando
• Is Part Of: Plasma processes and polymers. Volume 16:Issue 7(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-04-12
• Subjects: 3D printing -- adhesion improvement -- atmospheric pressure air plasma -- polycarbonate -- polyoxymethylene; Plasma polymerization -- Periodicals; Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; Plasma chemistry -- Periodicals
• DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201900020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1612-8850

Abstract

Abstract: Polyoxymethylene (POM), an excellent engineering material, shows drawbacks as a three‐dimensional (3D) printing material: (a) difficulties in the adhesion of the first‐printed layer and (b) thermal contractions during printing. In this study, an atmospheric pressure air plasma treatment is applied on a polycarbonate (PC)‐printing base. The effect of the plasma treatment parameters is studied. Chemical and morphological tests are conducted. Results shows that, in general, as the plasma exposure rises, so does the degree of oxidation of the PC surface and the adhesion of POM. However, care must be taken as thermal residual stresses may reduce adhesion. Finally, an increase in adhesion of up to 45% is achieved. Graphical Abstract: The use of polyoxymethylene as three‐dimensional printing material opens a completely new path for material processing due to its excellent properties. However, the adhesion of the first‐printed layer is a problem. In this way, an atmospheric pressure air plasma treatment applied over a polycarbonate (PC) printing base increases the adhesion of up to 45% with respect to the untreated PC.