Water Diffusion in Additively Manufactured Polymers: Effect of Voids

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of void features in additively manufactured polymers on water diffusion, focusing on polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) composites. The additive manufacturing (AM) of polymers, specifically, material extrusion AM (MEAM), results in manufacturing-induced voids, therefore affecting the water resistance of the printed parts. The research analyses the effects of size, shape, orientation and the hydrophilicity of voids on moisture diffusion in PETG composites employing numerical (finite-element) simulations. Two void types were examined: voids of Type I that retard the moisture propagation and voids of Type II that enhance it. Simulations demonstrate that a higher volume fraction of voids and their orientation with regard to the diffusion direction significantly hinder the moisture transport for Type I voids. Conversely, due to their high diffusivity, Type II voids serve as channels for rapid moisture transmission. Consequently, for such materials, the global diffusion rates mainly depend on the volume fraction of voids rather than their shape. These findings indicate the critical role of voids in the design of AM parts for environments exposed to moisture, such as marine and offshore applications. Understanding the void effects is critical for optimising the durability and performance of MEAM components underwater exposure.