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3D-printed mechanochromic materials.

Gregory I Peterson1, Michael B Larsen, Mark A Ganter

  • 1Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195 United States.

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|December 6, 2014
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Summary

Researchers developed photo- and mechanochromic 3D-printed structures using spiropyran-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) filaments. These advanced materials allow for selective color changes in response to light or mechanical stress, enabling novel applications like visual force sensing.

Keywords:
additive manufacturingmechanochemistrypolymersresponsive materials

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Additive Manufacturing

Background:

  • Photo- and mechanochromic materials change color upon exposure to light or mechanical stress.
  • Traditional manufacturing methods limit the complexity of creating such functional structures.
  • 3D printing offers advanced capabilities for fabricating intricate, functional objects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prepare and characterize photo- and mechanochromic 3D-printed structures.
  • To investigate the use of spiropyran-containing poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) for additive manufacturing.
  • To demonstrate the potential of these materials in applications such as force sensing.

Main Methods:

  • Fused filament fabrication (3D printing) was employed using custom spiropyran-PCL filaments.
  • Tensile testing specimens, both single- and multicomponent, were printed.
  • Characterization confirmed the integrity of spiropyran units and polymer chains post-printing.
  • Mechanical properties were compared to commercial PCL.

Main Results:

  • 3D printing successfully produced photo- and mechanochromic PCL structures without degrading the functional units or polymer.
  • Mechanical properties of the 3D-printed specimens were comparable to commercial PCL.
  • Multicomponent specimens allowed for selective color changes in different regions based on applied stimulus.
  • A prototype force sensor was modified to visually assess peak load via mechanochromism.

Conclusions:

  • 3D printing is a viable technique for creating complex photo- and mechanochromic materials.
  • Spiropyran-PCL is suitable for additive manufacturing of responsive structures.
  • The developed materials and techniques open avenues for advanced sensors and adaptive structures.