Printed polymer shape memory structures

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Michael Sinapius
• Subject Area: Plastics Engineering ; Lightweight Construction, Textile Technology
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 447858794

Structures exhibiting shape memory behavior are the subject of research in adaptronics. 4D printing enables the additive production of such shape memory structures. The shape memory enables a change in shape depending on external stimuli. The stimuli can be temperature, electrical or magnetic fields or light. In this project, printable thermoplastic polymers are used and applied in shape memory structures by means of 4D printing. In order to ensure reliable shape memory behaviour, the material must be characterized. This is done by means of thermo-mechanical tests such as dynamic mechanical analysis or controlled testing of the shape memory cycle. In addition, during the 4D printing process, the thermoplastic polymer is melted, pre-stressed and cooled. This requires knowledge of the rheology of the material. Rheometer tests are planned for this purpose. The aim of the project is to be able to simulate the shape memory behavior and to enable the design and identification of the process parameters of 4D printed shape memory structures. For this purpose, the process chain of material selection, design, printing process parameters and stimulus activation parameters will be considered. This should make it possible to bring 4D printing one step closer to the industrial process chain.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr.-Ing. Markus Böl