Influence of Photopolymer Degassing on Mechanical Properties of Structures Manufactured Under High Vacuum

Liquid photopolymers processed under high-vacuum conditions tend to release dissolved gases, which, during UV curing, can result in randomly foamed structures with a high void content. For the application of photopolymers in in-space manufacturing of external satellite components, however, consistent and reliable mechanical properties are essential. To meet this requirement, this study investigates the influence of pre-degassing on the storage modulus and density of photopolymer samples. The results show that degassed specimens exhibit a higher storage modulus than non-degassed samples. This increase is accompanied by a higher density, indicating a reduced void fraction and improved polymer network formation. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the use of degassed resin significantly enhances the mechanical performance and leads to denser, more robust structures.