Multi-shape active composites by 3D printing of digital shape memory polymers.

ABSTRACT: Recent research using 3D printing to create active structures has added an exciting new dimension to 3D printing technology. After being printed, these active, often composite, materials can change their shape over time; this has been termed as 4D printing. In this paper, we demonstrate the design and manufacture of active composites that can take multiple shapes, depending on the environmental temperature. This is achieved by 3D printing layered composite structures with multiple families of shape memory polymer (SMP) fibers - digital SMPs - with different glass transition temperatures (Tg) to control the transformation of the structure. After a simple single-step thermomechanical programming process, the fiber families can be sequentially activated to bend when the temperature is increas

SUBMITTER: Wu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4829848 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature