STUDYING THERMAL PROPERTIES OF PLASTIC MATERIALS OBTAINED BY THE FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING METHOD

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the thermal stability and degradation behavior of polymer materials produced using fused deposition modeling technology. The research focuses on five commonly used thermoplastics, including polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high-impact polystyrene, and polycarbonate, manufactured using different printing equipment. The objective of this study was to identify differences in thermal behavior depending on the material composition and production conditions. The investigation was carried out using thermogravimetric and calorimetric analyses, which allowed us to determine the temperature ranges of thermal decomposition, mass loss characteristics, and the nature of degradation processes. Samples of the printed polymers were subjected to controlled heating, and their thermal responses were recorded to assess their stability and decomposition patterns. The results demonstrated significant differences in the thermal behaviors of the studied materials. Polylactic acid produced on one type of equipment exhibited a single-stage degradation process typical of unmodified materials, whereas the same polymer produced using different equipment showed a two-stage decomposition, indicating structural or compositional modification. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and high-impact polystyrene decomposed within similar temperature ranges, although the latter demonstrated almost complete mass loss. Polycarbonate exhibited the highest thermal resistance, with decomposition occurring over a wide temperature range and leaving a noticeable residual mass. The findings of this study provide a comparative assessment of the thermal stability and degradation characteristics of commonly used printing materials. These results are significant for optimizing material selection in additive manufacturing and improving the performance and reliability of printed products under thermal exposure.