3D printing of a versatile applicability shape memory polymer with high strength and high transition temperature

3D printing shape memory polymers (SMP) with high strength and high transition temperature (T-r) are widely demanded in many fields, such as the aerospace material. However, either the SMP with high T-r or the 3D printing such polymer remains challenging. Here, a cyanate ester based shape memory interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) was prepared successfully through both of digital light process (DLP) and direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing. Significantly, the 3D printed shape memory polymer performs a highest reported tensile strength of 3D printing SMPs, which is up to 70 MPa. Besides, the high printing resolution and low volume contraction, the high T-r (about 170 C), high modulus, and excellent shape memory effect (with average shape fixation ratio (> 95%), and average shape recovery ratio (> 86%)) allows the 3D printing SMP to perform a versatile applicability. The application of this 3D printing SMP was demonstrated by spiral spring with high modulus, deformable sealing ring for easy installation, and smart mold for the manufacturing of fiber composite with complex structure. This work provides a preparing strategy for 3D printing cyanate ester based SMP, which could be applied in broad fields.

Automated summary

This research successfully prepared a cyanate ester based shape memory interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) through 3D printing, which has high strength and high transition temperature. It exhibited excellent shape memory effect and versatile applicability.