FURI | Spring 2018

Shape Memory Polymers Fabricated with Recycled Thermoplastics in 3D Printing

The research goal is to characterize the material properties of shape memory polymers (SMPs) as they are repeatedly broken down and recycled. SMPs have medical and military applications, and can be rapidly prototyped using 3D printing, which results in relatively large quantities of thermoplastic waste. If this research can prove that recycled SMPs sufficiently retain their critical properties, it will increase recycling in the growing field of 3D printing, thus reducing carbon footprint and energy usage. It is recommended that future research characterize additional material types in order to further expand the use of recycled thermoplastics for 3D-printed SMPs.