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Functionalized Cellulose Nanocrystals as Active Reinforcements for Light-Actuated 3D-Printed Structures
Luca A E Müller1,2, Anita Zingg1,2, Andrea Arcifa3
1Cellulose and Wood Materials Laboratory, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
ACS Nano
|October 18, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed 3D printed composites using photoresponsive cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and polyurethane acrylate. These 3D structures exhibit reversible softening and shape memory effects upon light exposure, enabling tunable mechanical properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Conventional methods produce 2D photoresponsive cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) composites, lacking spatial control over mechanical properties.
- Limitations include restricted shapes and inability to tailor mechanical responses through CNC alignment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop 3D complex structures with photoresponsive and reinforcing properties using direct ink writing (DIW).
- To combine CNC reinforcement with photoinduced responses for tunable mechanical behavior in 3D printed materials.
Main Methods:
- Grafting azobenzene photochromes onto CNC surfaces.
- Incorporating up to 15 wt% modified CNC into a polyurethane acrylate matrix.
- Utilizing DIW to fabricate self-standing 3D structures with shear-induced CNC alignment.
Main Results:
- Achieved 3D printed composites with a longitudinal elastic modulus of 30 MPa.
- Demonstrated 30-50% reversible softening upon visible light irradiation.
- Exhibited shape memory behavior and phototunable energy absorption in complex 3D structures.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized CNC in 3D printable inks enable rapid prototyping of devices with tailored, dynamic mechanical properties.
- The developed materials offer potential for applications requiring adaptive responses to environmental stimuli.
- This approach overcomes limitations of 2D materials, allowing spatial control over photoresponsive mechanical behavior.
