4D printed shape memory bismaleimide resin with high storage modulus and low shrinkage rate via second-stage curing

Abstract

In recent years, the field of shape memory materials with active deformation capabilities has experienced rapid development. However, bismaleimide, as a widely used structural material in the aerospace industry, has been neglected in the field of shape memory. This work designed a UV-crosslinked network with 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone monomer, and prepared 4D printed smart structures based on shape memory bismaleimide resin through UV-assisted DIW printing. 4D printed semi-interpenetrating network polymer materials were obtained through a two-stage UV-thermal curing process, resulted in an increase in the material's glass transition temperature to a maximum of 187.4 °C. The storage modulus was improved to 5229 MPa. More important, we achieved a lowest shrinkage rate (0.21 %) of 4D printed polymer. The composite sandwich structure with electrical-driven shape memory performance was printed by double-sided printing of bismaleimide resin on conductive carbon fabric. 4D printed composite structure realizes in-situ self-blocking secondary curing, deformation process after curing. This significant progress provides a promising prospect for remote controllable and precise driving in the aerospace field.