(AB)_n Segmented Copolyetherimides for 4D Printing

Abstract

The fourth dimension in 4D printing comprises the ability of materials to recover their shape with time by utilizing 3D printing in combination with shape memory polymers. The focus of this work is on 3D printing of physically crosslinked thermoplastic polymers, which allow a reversible transformation from a temporary to an original shape by an external stimulus temperature, thus realize 4D printing. In this context, (AB)n segmented copolyetherimides consisting of perylene and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) segments are synthesized and characterized regarding their thermal and rheological properties in view of 3D printing. The perylene imide segments act as reversible physical crosslinks which disassemble between 100 and 200 °C. The PEG segments exhibit a low melting temperature around 40 to 60 °C and are semi‐crystalline at room temperature. The results show that this type of (AB)n segmented copolyetherimide combines reliable 3D printing performance, which is indicated by low warp deformation and excellent interlayer bonding. With a blend of two copolymers, it is able to realize 4D printing.

Novel 4D-printing pellets with infrared-light responsive shape memory effect

“…Cui et al prepared epoxy SMP nanocomposites doped with graphene nanosheets for 4Dprinting FDM technology [7]. Since 3D structures can undergo dynamic transformation under irradiation by near-infrared light for remote precise control, the light-driven SMPs-based 4D-printing technology can be applied in smart wearable, aerospace, smart home, smart robot, and bio-medicine, among other fields [8][9][10][11][12][13]. In 4D-printing FDM technology, SMP filaments are often required, but less work has so far been reported on SMP pellets used as direct feed materials for 4D printing.…”