EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF 3D-PRINTED PLA COMPONENTS

Abstract

In regions where sunlight is prevalent, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can negatively affect materials, especially polymers. As the use of 3D printing for part production grows, understanding how prolonged UV exposure impacts polymer-based products like polylactic acid (PLA) becomes crucial. This research investigates how UV radiation alters the mechanical characteristics of 3D-printed PLA. Specifically, it examines how different exposure durations influence properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance. The study exposes twenty PLA samples to varying UV exposure times (one, two, and three weeks) and compares them to unexposed control samples. Through extrusion processes, the samples underwent UV exposure to simulate real-world conditions, revealing significant changes in mechanical properties. While most polymers showed reduced strength after UV exposure, PLA demonstrated a surprising increase in durability. The mechanical testing outcomes highlighted an improvement in strength for UV-exposed PLA compared to non-exposed ones, suggesting the material's potential to withstand UV-induced degradation.