Change in molecular and thermal characteristics of thermoplastic biodegradable copolymer in FDM process

The results of studies and changes in the molecular weight and thermal properties of the thermoplastic copolymer of microbiological origin 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate P(3HB-co-3HV) in a multi-stage process, including repeated melting of the copolymer to obtain pellets, extrusion production of filaments and 3D printing itself, are presented. In the process of obtaining granulate, filaments and FDM 3D printing of three-dimensional samples, a minor change in temperature characteristics was recorded, including melting and thermal destruction temperatures, crystallization and glass transition, as well as a noticeable decrease in molecular weight (by 35 %). The recorded changes in the molecular weight and temperature characteristics of the P(3HB-co-3HV) copolymer during processing made it possible to obtain fi laments for 3D printing and print 3D samples whose parameters correspond to those for bone-plastic materials and products.