Highly stretchable, magnetic responsive, shape memory polymer composites via digital light processing 3D printing: Synthesis, characterization and applications

Abstract

Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) have emerged as a promising class of intelligent materials because of their unique ability to respond to external stimuli. The proposed method for fabricating magnetic shape-memory polymer composites (DLP-M-SMPs) using digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technology represents a significant advancement in this field. By combining the shape memory properties of SMPs with their magnetic responsiveness, these composites can overcome the limitations of traditional thermally driven SMPs, such as their narrow operating temperature ranges and poor adaptability to harsh environments. The DLP-M-SMPs developed in this study demonstrated remarkable mechanical properties and shape-memory performance. With a high elongation at break of 760 % at room temperature, these materials exhibit exceptional flexibility and durability. Shape fixation rates exceeding 96 % and shape recovery rates exceeding 99 % indicate their ability to reliably maintain and recover programmed shapes. Furthermore, the successful 3D printing of complex structures capable of shape recovery under magnetic actuation demonstrated the versatility and potential of these materials for various applications. This innovative approach for fabricating high-resolution, high-performance magnetic shape-memory materials opens up new possibilities in fields such as flexible robotics and biomedical engineering, where precise control and adaptability are crucial.