We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Variability in the inorganic composition of colored acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene and polylactic acid filaments used in 3D printing
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized the inorganic elemental composition of ABS and PLA 3D printing filaments of different colors using multiple analytical techniques, finding significant variability in metal content between colors and brands — relevant because these inorganic components can be released as particles during printing.
Fused filament fabrication is a 3D printing technique that has gained widespread use from homes to schools to workplaces. Thermoplastic filaments, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA), are extruded at temperatures near their respective glass transition temperature or melting point, respectively. Little has been reported on the inorganic elemental composition and concentrations present in these materials or the methods available for extracting that information. Because inorganic constituents may be included in the aerosolized particulates emitted during the printing process, identifying elements that could be present and at what specific concentrations is critical. The objective of the current research is to determine the range of metals present in thermoplastic filaments along with their relative abundance and chemical speciation as a function of polymer type, manufacturer, and color. A variety of filaments from select manufacturers were digested using a range of techniques to determine the optimal conditions for metal extraction from ABS and PLA polymers. The extraction potential for each method was quantified using by ICP-MS analysis. When possible, further characterization of the chemical composition of the filaments was investigated using X-ray Absorption spectroscopy to determine chemical speciation of the metal. Optimal digestion conditions were established using a high temperature, high pressure microwave-assisted acid digestion method to produce the most complete and repeatable extraction results. The composition and abundance of metals in the filaments varied greatly as a function of polymer, manufacturer, and color. Potential elements of concern present in the filaments at elevated concentration included that could pose a respiratory risk included Si, Al, Ti, Cu, Zn, and Sn. XAS analysis revealed a mixture of metal oxides, mineral, and organometallic compounds were present in the filaments that were being used to increase opaqueness impart color (dyes), polymeric catalysts, and flame retardants. This work shows that a variety of metals are present in the starting materials used for 3D printing and depending on their partitioning into 3D printed products and byproducts as well as the exposure route, may pose a health risk which merits further investigation.
More Papers Like This
Metal and metalloid content, bioavailability and sorption processes in glitter and raw glitter materials and associations with human and ecological risk concerns.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed metal and metalloid content in glitter particles and raw glitter materials, finding elevated concentrations of several potentially toxic elements, and assessed the human and ecological risk associated with glitter as a widespread microplastic contaminant in aquatic environments.
Polyethylene microplastics and nanoplastics colored with inorganic pigments in aquatic environments: Effects of mechanical aging on physicochemical properties, aggregation kinetics, and metal release
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how mechanical aging affects colored polyethylene microplastics and nanoplastics containing inorganic pigments in aquatic environments. They found that plastics with certain pigments, particularly ultramarine blue, degraded faster and released more metals than transparent or iron oxide-pigmented plastics. The study reveals that pigment type significantly influences how colored plastics aggregate, break down, and release potentially harmful metals into water.
A screening of metal(loid) content in conventional and compostable plastic polymers: understanding the sources and the connected environmental implications.
AI summary Read the abstract
A screening of metal(loid) content in conventional and compostable plastic polymers found that both types contain potentially toxic inorganic additives such as antimony, lead, and cobalt. The study raised concerns that degrading compostable plastics may release these metals into soils and waterways, posing underappreciated ecotoxicological risks.
Assessment of the potential human health risk derived from metals associated to microplastics from recycled and biopolymer-based plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the human health risk from metals associated with microplastics derived from recycled PET and polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers using oral bioaccessibility testing, finding that intrinsic metal content increased with recycling cycles and that both materials adsorbed metals from the environment, with bioaccessible metal fractions posing potential health risks.
Microplastic Leaching Rates for Different 3D Printable Plastic Filaments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested five plastics used in 3D printing (PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, PC) by soaking printed cubes in agitated water for 48 hours. TPU and ABS leached material fastest in the first 24 hours, while PETG and PC leached more steadily over the second 24 hours, with results linked to how much water each plastic absorbed and its chemical makeup.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.