Currently studying Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological University, Expected graduation being spring of 2015. Halley is currently doing research under Prof. Joshua Pearce with Michigan Tech in Open Sustainability Technology in applied sustainability. Specifically working to create more functional solar panel racking.
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The effect
outdoor environments have on current printable polymers (ABS, HDPE, PLA, and Polycarbonate) over 20 year periods.
This work is to analyze different polymers for solar panel racking applications when subjected to natural and outdoor forces.
ABS
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene is a thermoplastic that is flame retardant, with good heat resistance, high impact resistance, and good flow characteristics. With outdoor applications these characteristics are desirable.
Disadvantages, high cost, limited weather resistance, moderate heat, moisture and chemical resistance. Due to these characteristics this polymer is unsuited for solar panel rackings built to withstand outdoor conditions for 20 year periods for time.
http://plastics.ides.com/generics/1/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-abs
Max temp: 176 F 80 C
Min temp: -4 F -20 C
Melting Point: 221 F 105 C
Tensile Strength: 4300 psi
