| Abstract Scope |
Stereolithography (SLA) 3D-printed photopolymers are promising candidates for demanding industrial and engineering applications where chemical durability is critical. However, systematic understanding of how printing and post-processing parameters govern baseline properties and subsequent chemical resistance remains poorly understood. This study investigates degradation behavior and mechanisms of an SLA-printed methacrylate-based polymer under varying print orientations, layer heights, and post-curing conditions, followed by accelerated aging in polar, non-polar, and strongly acidic media over 12 weeks. Higher post-curing temperatures maximized degree of conversion, significantly reducing chemical susceptibility. Among all environments tested, nitric acid induced the most severe deterioration, over 81% tensile strength loss, 94% modulus reduction, and 47% Tg depression, while non-polar solvents caused negligible degradation. FTIR, and mass spectrometry confirmed acid-catalyzed ester hydrolysis within methacrylate-urethane linkages as the dominant degradation pathway, while diffusion-controlled plasticization prevailed in polar media. These findings establish critical performance baselines for designing chemically durable additively manufactured photopolymer systems. |