DLP 4D-Printing of Remotely, Modularly, and Selectively Controllable Shape Memory Polymer Nanocomposites Embedding Carbon Nanotubes

An in-depth investigation on novel electro-activated shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) for digital light processing 3D-Printing, consisting of a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate/poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) matrix embedding multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs), is reported here. The composition of the photocurable (meth)acrylate system is finely tuned to tailor the thermomechanical properties of the matrix, whereas the effect of CNTs on the photoreactivity and rheological properties of the formulations is investigated to assess the printability. Electrical measurements confirmed that the incorporation of CNT into the polymeric matrix enables the electrical conductivity and thus the possibility to remotely heat the nanocomposite using the Joule effect. The feasibility to drive a shape memory cycle via Joule heating is proved, given that the high shape fixity (R-f) and shape recovery (R-r) ratios achieved (R-f approximate to 100%, R-r > 95%) confirmed the significant electrically-triggered responsiveness of such CNT/SMPCs. Finally, it is shown how to activate a modular and selective electro-activated shape recovery, which may ultimately envisage the 4D-Printing of remotely and selectively controllable smart devices.

Automated summary

The study investigated novel electro-activated shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) for digital light processing 3D printing, showing how the composition of the photocurable system and the incorporation of CNTs impact the printability and electrical conductivity. By remotely heating the nanocomposite using the Joule effect, a significant electrically-triggered responsiveness was confirmed, enabling a high shape fixity and shape recovery ratio. Additionally, the research demonstrated the feasibility of activating selective shape recovery through electro-activation for potentially creating remotely controllable smart devices in 4D printing.