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4D Printing of Triple-Shape Memory Cyanate Composites Based on Interpenetrating Polymer Network Structures
Linlin Wang1, Fenghua Zhang1, Shanyi Du1
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 21, 2023
Summary
This study presents novel triple-shape memory cyanate ester resins, achieving complex shape recovery through a three-step curing process. The interpenetrating polymer network enhances strength, toughness, and shape memory capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Triple-shape memory polymers (TSMPs) offer complex stimulus-response capabilities by recovering sequentially through multiple temporary shapes.
- Developing TSMPs with enhanced mechanical properties and controlled shape recovery remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel triple-shape memory cyanate ester (TSMCE) resins with high strength and fracture toughness.
- To investigate the effect of an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure and fiber reinforcement on the triple-shape memory effect.
Main Methods:
- A three-step curing process involving 4D printing, UV post-curing, and thermal curing was employed.
- The formation of an IPN structure was achieved by controlling the cyanate ester (CE) prepolymer content.
- Short carbon fibers (CFs) and glass fibers (GFs) were incorporated to further enhance material properties.
Main Results:
- The TSMCE resins exhibited two distinct glass transition temperature (Tg) regions (82.7–102.1 °C and 164.4–229.0 °C) due to the IPN structure, enabling the triple-shape memory effect.
- The fracture strain reached up to 10.9%, indicating high toughness.
- Fiber reinforcement and accelerated phase separation resulted in well-separated Tg peaks and improved shape memory behavior and fracture toughness.
Conclusions:
- The combination of IPN structure and 4D printing is a viable strategy for creating advanced shape memory polymers.
- The developed TSMCE resins demonstrate high strength, toughness, and multi-shape memory functionality.
- This approach offers insights into designing multifunctional shape memory materials for complex applications.
