Abstract
Abstract A cryo-system assisted extrusion 3D printing technique has been developed to fabricate Shape Memory Polymer Epoxy (SMPE) thermoset into a near-net shape. With a unique cryogenic sprayer assisted printing system, it is possible to 3D print "pure" thermoset polymer, otherwise which was limited to thermoplastic or highly functionalized co-polymeric thermoset systems. The temperature was maintained below 10oC during 3D printing, which enabled dimensionally accurate structures. Graphene Nanoplatelet (GNP) reinforced SMPE ink was synthesized to be compatible with cryo-assisted extrusion 3D printing of shape memory composites. The addition of a mere 0.1 wt.% GNP exhibited 15% faster shape recovery due to improved thermal conductivity. Also, GNP addition imparted a 30% improvement in the ultimate tensile strength and a 17% increase in 3D printed composites' elastic modulus. Dynamic mechanical testing showed that the addition of 0.1 wt.% GNP in SMPE increased the composite's storage modulus by 365% and loss tangent by 66% compared to pure 3D printed SMPE, indicating enhanced damping characteristics. This study is the first to demonstrate a non-existent 3D printing technology for “pure thermoset” polymers with and without conductive graphene, that has the potential to develop an energy-efficient actuation system, passive thermal sensors, and self-deployable communication system structures.
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