Applied Chemical Engineering

Quantitative Chromatographic Analysis of Volatile Compounds Released during Polymer FDM-AM

Ali Raqee Abdulhadi

Mechanical Engineering, Al-Turath University, Baghdad,10013, Iraq.

Aqeel Al-Hilali

Medical Technical College, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq.

Al-Dily Kareem

Al-Hadi University College, Baghdad, 10011, Iraq.

Hayder Hamid Abbas Al-Anbari

College of Pharmacy, Ahl Al-Bayt University, Kerbala, 13001,Iraq.

Salah Abdulhadi Salih

Department of Pharmacy, Al-Nisour University, Nisour Seq. Karkh, Baghdad,10015,Iraq.

Ammar S. Al Khafaji

Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala,56001, Iraq.

Sameh Hussein Hamo

Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Mazaya University College, Dhi Qar,21974, Iraq

Duha Abed Almuhssen Muzahim

Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Mazaya University College, Dhi Qar,21974, Iraq

Shurooq Sabah Hussein

College of Health and Medical Techniques, Al-Bayan University, Baghdad, Iraq.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/ace.v9i1.5753

Keywords: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs); Fused deposition modeling (FDM); Additive manufacturing (AM) ; Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS); Polymer emissions; Occupational safety; Indoor air quality; Process parameter optimization

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Abstract

The release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during fused deposition modeling additive manufacturing (FDM-AM) has become a critical concern due to its implications for occupational health, indoor air quality, and material performance. In this study, a quantitative chromatographic analysis was conducted to characterize and evaluate VOC emissions from commonly used thermoplastic filaments during FDM-AM. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was employed to separate and identify volatile fractions, while flame ionization detection (FID) provided quantitative assessment of emission concentrations. Representative results revealed the presence of styrene, ethylbenzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and other low-molecular-weight aldehydes and ketones, with emission profiles varying significantly across polymer types such as ABS, PLA, and PETG. Peak intensities correlated strongly with extrusion temperature, suggesting that process parameters directly influence VOC release. Comparative analysis indicated that ABS exhibited the highest emission intensity, dominated by aromatic hydrocarbons, while PLA produced lower total VOCs but higher proportions of lactide-derived species. The findings underscore the necessity of systematic monitoring of VOCs in FDM-AM environments and provide quantitative evidence for optimizing process conditions and implementing adequate ventilation systems. This work establishes a framework for linking chromatographic signatures of volatile compounds with material choice and processing parameters, contributing to safer and more sustainable additive manufacturing practices.

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