Student: Nahin Ferdousi
Project: Interaction Effects of Ultrafine Particle Emissions of Multiple Fuse-Deposition Modeling Printers
Institution: Lafayette College
Major: Chemical Engineering
Advisor: Joseph L. Woo
Abstract
Recently, with the development of technology and use of polymers, 3D printing has become extremely popular for developing prototypes industry as well as for recreational and educational use in homes and schools. The most common method is the fused filament fabrication process (FFF), more commonly known as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). In this process, a polymeric filament is heated to its melting point and extruded through a heated nozzle that moves to shape a predesigned object from bottom up. However, when the filament is being heated and the printing process begins, previous research has shown that the thermal decomposition of these thermoplastics has resulted in fumes being released. These fumes contain elements such as semi volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and can deposit onto other particles once the printing process is over. The different filaments used result in differing emissions but not much is known about the VOCs released with multiple printers and filaments present. However, through exposure to these final particles, humans can develop lung irritation and other health problems, so understanding how particles interact in large scale printing settings is crucial in unpacking the adverse effects and potential solutions to this byproduct of this technological advancement. To understand and characterize the SVOC’s released through these fumes, polylactic acid (PLA), was tested with two different printers running simultaneously producing the NIST standard. Through this, interaction effects between particles will be determined through MATLAB modeling as well as an analysis of the air in the chamber using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) to identify the compounds present as well as their associated hazards.
About Nahin Ferdousi
Nahin Ferdousi is a senior Chemical Engineering major at Lafayette College. Starting her sophomore year, she started working with Dr. Joseph L. Woo, who specializes in the study of atmospheric sciences and understanding the kinetics of reactions and aerosol interactions. She is second author in the upcoming publication Estimation of CVOC Oligomerization via UV/Vis Spectra Deconvolution: Modeling of Low-Weight Carbonyl Oligomerization via UV/Vis Spectral Deconvolution (2018). Apart from her studies, she is member of Delta Delta Delta Women’s Fraternity and founder of Lafayette’s first sexual assault awareness group, Pards Against Sexual Assault.
