Modeling and 4D Printing of Shape Memory Polymers

Webinar 3

SPEAKER I

Rui Xiao (Zhejiang University, China)

Modelling shape-memory effects in polymers

 

Abstract: Shape-memory polymers have shown promising applications for biomedical devices. It is crucial to develop constitutive models with the ability to accurately predict the shape-memory performance. In the past several years, we have developed a series of models for amorphous shape-memory polymers based on the glass transition mechanism. The model can capture the dependence of mechanical properties on temperature, rate, and solvent concentration. The model can also predict shape-memory behaviours with different programming and recovery conditions.

 

Related publications:

  • Dai, L., Tian, C., Xiao, R. (2020). Modeling the thermo-mechanical behavior and constrained recovery performance of cold-programmed amorphous shape-memory polymers. International Journal of Plasticity, 127, 102654. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijplas.2019.102654
  • Dai, L., Xiao, R. (2021). A thermodynamic-consistent model for the thermo-chemo-mechanical couplings in amorphous shape-memory polymers. International Journal of Applied Mechanics, 13(02), 2150022. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1758825121500228

SPEAKER II

Ke-Ke Yang (Sichuan University, China)

4D printing of shape memory biodegradable Scaffolds

 

Abstract: The complexity of surgical procedures for treating extensive soft tissue injuries presents challenges when implanting large devices. Scaffolds incorporating shape-memory effects (SME) offer a promising alternative to minimize the trauma associated with voluminous implantation. The emergence of 4D printing introduces a new avenue for crafting personalized or patient-specific shape-memory scaffolds. In this study, we develop an adaptable strategy, Ultraviolet irradiation-assisted fused deposition modeling printing (UV-assisted FDM), to produce diverse shape-memory scaffolds with intricate architectures. These scaffolds are constructed from biodegradable shape-memory copolymers featuring photo-cross-linkable groups. The resulting composite scaffolds hold great potential for applications in minimally invasive soft tissue repair, bone defect reconstruction, and more.

 

Related publications:

  • Luo, K; Wang, L; Wang, MX; Du, R; Tang, L; Yang, KK; Wang, YZ. 4D Printing of Biocompatible Scaffolds via In Situ Photo-crosslinking from Shape Memory Copolyesters, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2023, 15, 44373−44383. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c10747
  • Du, R; Zhao, B; Luo, K; Wang, MX; Yuan, Q; Yu, L; Yang, KK; Wang, YZ. Shape Memory Polyester Scaffold Promotes Bone Defect Repair Through Enhanced Osteogenic Ability and Mechanical Stability. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2023, 15, 36, 42930-42941. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c06902