Photosensitive Composite Inks for Digital Light Processing Four-Dimensional Printing of Shape Memory Capture Devices
Linlin Wang1, Fenghua Zhang1, Yanju Liu2
1Centre for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), No. 2 Yikuang Street, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|April 13, 2021
Summary
New photosensitive composite inks enable fast 4D printing of shape memory thermosetting polymers. This breakthrough accelerates manufacturing processes and expands applications for advanced epoxy composites.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- High-performance shape memory thermosetting polymers are crucial for 4D printing applications.
- Current printable thermosets face challenges including complex processes, limited thermodynamic performance, and slow printing speeds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop photosensitive composite inks for rapid photocuring 4D printing.
- To overcome limitations of existing printable thermosets.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized epoxy acrylate (EPAc) via addition esterification.
- Formulated composite inks with EPAc, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), and carbon fillers.
- Utilized UV light for photocuring and an exothermic reaction for accelerated polymerization.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 4D printing speed of up to 180 mm/h due to accelerated polymerization.
- Successfully printed epoxy composite-infilled carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers with enhanced microlayer integrity.
- Demonstrated a claw-like catcher device for aerospace applications.
Conclusions:
- The developed inks offer a fast and efficient method for 4D printing thermoset epoxy composites.
- The technology enables the manufacturing of complex structures with excellent shape memory properties.
- This advancement holds significant promise for engineering applications, particularly in aerospace.
