Pattern transformation of heat-shrinkable polymer by three-dimensional (3D) printing technique.

ABSTRACT: A significant challenge in conventional heat-shrinkable polymers is to produce controllable microstructures. Here we report that the polymer material fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) printing technique has a heat-shrinkable property, whose initial microstructure can undergo a spontaneous pattern transformation under heating. The underlying mechanism is revealed by evaluating internal strain of the printed polymer from its fabricating process. It is shown that a uniform internal strain is stored in the polymer during the printing process and can be released when heated above its glass transition temperature. Furthermore, the internal strain can be used to trigger the pattern transformation of the heat-shrinkable polymer in a controllable way. Our work provides insightful ideas to unders

SUBMITTER: Zhang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4355736 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature