Changes in the physical and structural properties of 3D-printed plastic samples under radiation exposure by nearly therapeutic dose

In this research, we study changes of 3D-printed samples made of PLA, ABS, and HIPS plastics under irradiation by 6 MeV electron beam in air with doses up to 1.5 kGy. We compared mechanical and structural properties of original and irradiated plastic samples. It is shown that absorption of the electron beam is not changing during irradiation process for all samples. Mechanical testing revealed no changes in the compressive stress, elastic modulus and bending stress for PLA, ABS and HIPS samples after irradiation. Testing demonstrates that thermograms of investigated polymers before and after irradiation do not have notable difference. However, polylactide glass transition peak (142-154 degrees C) is better distinguishable for irradiated sample of PLA plastic. The irradiated polymers demonstrate slight differences in Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Experimental results allow concluding that 3D-printed samples made of PLA, ABS, and HIPS plastic are capable to retain their properties under high energy electron beam irradiation with doses up to 1.5 kGy.