Improvement of the Weather Resistance of a Selective Laser-Sintered Copolyester-Limestone Composite Using UV-326 and UV-328.

Huu Chinh Nguyen,Yanling Guo,Tat Thang Nguyen

doi:10.3390/polym12092079

Abstract

A copolyester–limestone composite fabricated with selective laser sintering technology is a potential material for the repair of ancient brick structures damaged by the sun and rain, however the weather resistance of this material must be improved. Herein, UV-236 and UV-328 were employed as UV stabilizers and added into the composite. The results show that the addition of UV-326 and UV-328 effectively inhibited the degradation of CH and ester groups and the formation of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups. Thus, the stabilizers significantly reduced the color change and decline in mechanical properties of the composite under sun and rain conditions. The proposed strategy can be used for the repair of damaged precious brick buildings.

Highlights

Ancient structures built with stones and bricks are precious treasures
(3D printing) as an additive manufacturing technology has been widely expected to revolutionize the rapid manufacturing of complicated parts [2]
Among the frequently used 3D printing technologies, Selective laser sintering (SLS) has unparalleled advantages as it is applicable for a wide range of materials, no support is required during machining, and material that is not sintered can be recycled and reused

Summary

Introduction

Ancient structures built with stones and bricks are precious treasures. the original colors and shapes of these structures can be lost due to severe damage by sun and rain over a long time [1]. There is an urgent need for repairs and maintenance of ancient buildings. There are several challenges in using similar feedstock, such as limestone (main component: CaCO3 ), to prepare the parts for the repair of these buildings with traditional methods due to their complex surface structures and patterns. Since it was pioneered in the 1980s, three-dimensional printing (3D printing) as an additive manufacturing technology has been widely expected to revolutionize the rapid manufacturing of complicated parts [2]. SLS technology is promising for the maintenance of ancient buildings

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion