| Title: | Organic compound and particle emissions of additive manufacturing with photopolymer resins and chemical outgassing of manufactured resin products |
| Author(s): | Vaisanen A; Alonen L; Ylonen S; Hyttinen M; |
| Address: | "Faculty of Science and Forestry, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland. School of Engineering and Technology, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland" |
| Journal Title: | J Toxicol Environ Health A |
| DOI: | 10.1080/15287394.2021.1998814 |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1528-7394 (Print) 0098-4108 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Photopolymer resins are applied at an increasing rate in additive manufacturing (AM) industry as vat photopolymerization (VP) and material jetting (MJ) methods gain more popularity. The aim of this study was to measure volatile organic compound (VOC), carbonyl compound, ultrafine particle (UFP), and particulate matter (PM(10)) air concentrations emitted in 3D printer operations. Individual chemicals were identified when multiple photopolymer resin feedstocks were used in various VP and MJ printers. The size distributions of UFPs, and indoor air parameters were also monitored. Finally, the VOC outgassing of the cured resin materials was determined over 84 days. The data demonstrated that 3D printer operators were exposed to low concentrations of airborne exposure agents as follows: average concentrations of VOCs were between 41 and 87 microg/m(3), UFP number levels ranged between 0.19 and 3.62 x 10(3) number/cm(3); however, no impact was detected on air parameters or PM(10) concentrations. A majority of the UFPs existed in the 10-45 nm size range. The identified compounds included hazardous species included sensitizing acrylates and carcinogenic formaldehyde. The outgassed products included similar compounds that were encountered during the AM processes, and post-processing solvents. Products heated to 37 degrees C emitted 1.4?ªª2.9-fold more VOCs than at room temperature. Total emissions were reduced by 84?ªª96% after 28 days roughly from 3000-14000 to 100-1000 microg/m(2)/hr. In conclusion, resin printer operators are exposed to low concentrations of hazardous emissions, which might result in adverse health outcomes during prolonged exposure. Manufactured resin products are suggested to be stored for 4 weeks after their production to reduce potential consumer VOC hazards" |
| Keywords: | "Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis Particle Size Particulate Matter/*analysis Polymers *Printing, Three-Dimensional Resins, Synthetic Volatile Organic Compounds/*analysis 3d printing chromatography material jetting ultrafine particles vat photopolymerization;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineVaisanen, Antti Alonen, Lauri Ylonen, Sampsa Hyttinen, Marko eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2021/11/13 J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2022 Mar 4; 85(5):198-216. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2021.1998814. Epub 2021 Nov 11" |
