3D-printed poly(oxymethylene): Improving printability via PMMA sacrificial substrates and characterization of the mechanical and thermal properties

The fabrication of poly(oxymethylene) by means of additive manufacturing is still a problematic procedure due to the low adhesion with standard printing plates and extended warping. The use of polymers as alternative substrates is an effective way, especially if their glass-transition temperature is below the processing temperatures. Using poly(methyl methacrylate) sheets as sacrificial substrate, standard samples of poly(oxymethylene) are successfully printed, a result achieved in the past only by means of expensive and complex equipment. Furthermore, the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(oxymethylene) upon UV aging up to 500 h are investigated. Our results demonstrate that aging of 3D-printed poly(oxymethylene) causes chain scission and weakening of intermolecular bonds, crystallization of part of the amorphous areas, and results in the embrittlement of the material. The intermolecular structure of poly(oxymethylene) has been investigated by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.