Modelling of shape memory polymer sheets that self-fold in response to localized heating

Soft Matter
Russell MailenJan Genzer

Abstract

We report a nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) of the thermo-mechanical shrinking and self-folding behavior of pre-strained polystyrene polymer sheets. Self-folding is useful for actuation, packaging, and remote deployment of flat surfaces that convert to 3D objects in response to a stimulus such as heat. The proposed FEA model accounts for the viscoelastic recovery of pre-strained polystyrene sheets in response to localized heating on the surface of the polymer. Herein, the heat results from the localized absorption of light by ink patterned on the surface of the sheet. This localized delivery of heat results in a temperature gradient through the thickness of the sheet, and thus a gradient of strain recovery, or shrinkage, develops causing the polymer sheet to fold. This process transforms a 2D pattern into a 3D shape through an origami-like behavior. The FEA predictions indicate that shrinking and folding are sensitive to the thermo-mechanical history of the polymer during pre-straining. The model also shows that shrinkage does not vary linearly through the thickness of the polymer during folding due to the accumulation of mass in the hinged region. Counterintuitively, the maximum shrinkage does not occur at the patterne...Continue Reading

References

May 16, 2014·Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics·Ying LiuJan Genzer

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Citations

Apr 17, 2018·Small·Sungjune ParkMichael D Dickey
May 10, 2017·Proceedings. Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences·E A Peraza HernandezD C Lagoudas
Feb 25, 2017·Soft Matter·Amber M HubbardJan Genzer
Apr 16, 2019·ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·Lin WangZi Chen

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