# The Impact of Aggressive Conditions on the Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Components Produced Using Additive Manufacturing

## TL;DR

This study examines how aggressive marine environments degrade the mechanical properties of 3D-printed polymers, showing significant reductions in strength and elasticity over time.

## Contribution

The paper quantifies the degradation of additively manufactured biodegradable polymers in marine environments, offering new insights for material optimization in maritime applications.

## Key findings

- Recycled polylactide (rPLA) showed a 16% decrease in molecular weight and 37% reduction in tensile strength after 9 months in seawater.
- Wood-polymer composites (WPC) experienced a 20% molecular weight decrease and up to 51% reduction in elastic modulus under the same conditions.
- The results highlight the susceptibility of biodegradable polymers to marine degradation, necessitating material optimization for maritime use.

## Abstract

Analysis of the impact of aging processes induced by environmental conditions, particularly aggressive ones, on the properties of polymeric materials and products made from them has been the subject of intensive research for many years. Developing materials characterized by high resistance to the specific external factors in which these materials are used is a key issue in the context of developing a sustainable economy aimed at minimizing waste and extending the service life of polymeric components. The main objective of this research was to assess and quantify the degradation mechanisms of polymeric materials manufactured using additive Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology when exposed to aggressive marine environments. To achieve this, the study analyzed the influence of seawater corrosion conditions on the changes in mechanical and rheological properties of two polymeric materials: recycled polylactide (rPLA) and a wood–polymer composite (WPC) based on PLA reinforced with wood flour (MD). The results revealed that rPLA exhibited an approximately 16% decrease in average molecular weight after 9 months of seawater exposure, accompanied by a 37% reduction in tensile strength and a 24% decrease in elastic modulus. In the case of the WPC, the molecular weight decreased by about 20%, while tensile strength and elastic modulus dropped by 30% and 51%, respectively. The findings provide quantitative evidence of the susceptibility of additively manufactured biodegradable polymers to marine-induced degradation, highlighting the necessity of further optimization for maritime and coastal applications.