FURI | Fall 2021

Direct Ink Writing of Nanocomposite Polymers for Shape Memory Actuation

The research will develop a multiphase composite direct ink writing 3D printing process using two dissimilar polymer and nanoparticle solutions. The fabricated samples possess shape memory, which means that after exposure to suitable external stimuli (i.e., temperature or magnetic force), the samples will recover to their original shape after deformation. This class of objects is called shape memory actuators (SMAs). With proper adjustment of external stimuli, SMAs have high maneuverability in small spaces, which increases performance and reliability in various automotive, aerospace, and biomedical applications.