Selected Applications of Stimuli-Responsive Polymers: 4D Printing by the Fused Filament Fabrication Technology

  • Y. Ahroni School of Mechanical Engineering, Afeka Academic College of Engineering, Tel Aviv 6910717, Israel
  • N. Dresler School of Mechanical Engineering, Afeka Academic College of Engineering, Tel Aviv, Israel
  • A. Ulanov School of Mechanical Engineering, Afeka Academic College of Engineering, Tel Aviv 6910717, Israel
  • D. Ashkenazi School of Mechanical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5871-1903
  • M. Aviv School of Mechanical Engineering, Afeka Academic College of Engineering, Tel Aviv 6910717, Israel
  • M. Librus Synergy R.M ltd, P.O.Box 8631, Netanya, Israel
  • A. Stern Department of Materials Engineering, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel & School of Mechanical Engineering, Afeka Academic College of Engineering, Tel Aviv 6910717, Israel https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8980-9214
Keywords: Additive manufacturing, 4D printing, Fused Filament Fabrication, Stimuli-responsive polymers

Abstract

In the past few years four-dimensional (4D) printing technologies have attained worldwide interest and they are now considered the "next big thing". The aim of this research is to provide three selected examples of stimuli-responsive polymer (SRP) applications additively manufactured (AM) by the fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique. To that end, a CCT BLUE filament of thermo-responsive polymer was chosen to produce a water temperature indicator, which changes colour from blue to white when temperature increases; a CCU RED filament of photo-responsive polymer was used to produce a sunlight / UV indicator bracelet; a transparent PLA CLEAR polymer, a CCU RED photo-responsive polymer, and an electrical conductive PLA polymer were selected to produce a smart business card stand. The temperature indicator capability was analysed based on examining colour changes as a function of temperature changes. The sunlight/UV indicator capability was analysed based on the inspection of colour change as a function of absorbed sun/ultraviolet light. The electrical conductivity of the conductive PLA polymer was examined by performing resistance measurements. All three objects were successfully produced and their functionality was demonstrated. We hope that these examples will catalyse the expansion of FFF 4D printed SRP applications, as much work remains to be done in designing the parts and developing FFF printing parameters that take advantage of the stimuli-responsive materials currently being developed for FFF technology.

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Published
2020-12-21
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