The Shape Memory Properties and Actuation Performances of 4D Printing Poly (Ether-Ether-Ketone)

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) have gradually emerged in the mechanism and biomedical fields and facilitate the upgrading of industrial mechanisms and the breakthrough of technical bottlenecks. However, most of the SMPs are infeasible in harsh environments, such as aerospace, due to the low glass transition temperature. There are still some works that remain in creating truly portable or non-contacting actuators that can match the performances and functions of traditional metal structures. Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) with a high glass transition temperature of 143 degrees C is endowed with outstanding high-temperature resistance and radiation-resistant properties and shape memory behavior. Thus, we explore the shape-memory properties and actuation performances of high-temperature PEEK in bending behaviors. The shape-recovery ratio, actuation speed and force under different programming conditions and structure parameters are summarized to complete the actuation capacities. Meanwhile, a metallic ball transported by shape-memory PEEK and deployed drag sail with thermo-responsive composite joints were shown to verify the potential in aerospace.

Automated summary

Shape-memory polymers have important applications in the fields of mechanism and biomedical engineering, but their use in harsh environments is still challenging. Research has found that polyether-ether-ketone with high glass transition temperature exhibits excellent high-temperature resistance and shape memory behavior. By studying its shape-memory properties and actuation performance, the potential of this polymer in aerospace has been demonstrated.