Tailoring the shape memory properties of silica nanoparticle infused photopolymer composites for 4D printing applications: A Taguchi analysis

Abstract

The study aims to optimize the shape change response of the Shape Memory Photopolymer Composites (SMPPCs) through the use of the Taguchi method. The SMPPCs were created by blending of Soft Photopolymer Resin (SPPR) with Hard Photopolymer Resin (HPPR) in various weight fractions and reinforcing with Silica Nanoparticles (SNPs) at different weight percentages using a Masked Stereolithography (MSLA). The researchers measured the ability of the material to change its shape by determining its shape recovery time (T), fixity ratio (Rf), recovery ratio (Rr), and recovery rate (Vr). The results indicated that the fastest T was observed in unreinforced Blended Photopolymer Resin (BPPR) with 75 wt% SPPR and 25 wt% HPPR. However, when the BPPR was reinforced with 0.3 wt% SNPs, the T was slower. The use of SNPs as reinforcement resulted in excellent Rf, whereas higher weight percentages of SPPR led to better Rr. The weight percentage of SPPR was found to be the primary contributor to T, Rr, and Vr, while the weight percentage of SNPs played a significant role in Rf. The optimum parameters for T and Vr were A1/B3/C1, for Rf were A3/B1/C1, and for Rr were A2/B2/C1. The research findings indicate that reinforced BPPR has outstanding fixity ratios and it is more appropriate for applications that necessitate lengthier recovery and slower recovery rate. The inclusion of SNPs in BPPR increases the T and prolongs the temporary shape retention of the specimen. The generated regression models were validated through confirmation experiments, which yielded strong agreement.