Exploring the Adaptability of 4D Printed Shape Memory Polymer Featuring Dynamic Covalent Bonds
4D printing (4DP) of high-performance shape memory polymers (SMPs), particularly using digital light processing (DLP), has garnered intense global attention due to its capability for rapid and high-precision fabrication of complex configurations, meeting diverse application requirements. However, the development of high-performance dynamic shape memory polymers (DSMPs) for DLP printing remains a significant challenge due to the inherent incompatibilities between the photopolymerization process and the curing/polymerization of high-strength polymers. Here, a mechanically robust DSMP compatible is developed with DLP printing, which incorporates dynamic covalent bonds of imine linking polyimide rigid segments, exhibiting remarkable mechanical performance (tensile strength ≈41.7 MPa, modulus ≈1.63 GPa) and thermal stability (Tg ∼ 113 °C, Td ∼ 208 °C). More importantly, benefiting from the solid-state plasticity conferred by dynamic covalent bonds, 4D printed structures demonstrate rapid network adaptiveness, enabling effortless realization of reconfiguration, self-healing, and recycling. Meanwhile, the extensive π-π conjugated structures bestow DSMP with an intrinsic photothermal effect, allowing controllable morphing of the 4D configuration through dual-mode triggering. This work not only greatly enriches the application scope of high-performance personalized configurations but also provides a reliable approach to addressing environmental pollution and energy crises.
Authors
- Zenghui Yang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0101-0609)
- Tingmei Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8639-1863)
- Mingchao Shao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7963-7596)
- Nan Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4630-2229)
- Qihua Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6056-7584)
- Jing Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8200-5117)
- Liming Tao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8579-4289)
- Mingkun Xu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1613-7194)
- Y. X. Zhang
Institutions
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
- Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics (CN)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Small
- Published
- 2024-09-10
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202406358
- Citations
- 17
- Primary Topic
- Polymer composites and self-healing
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.87
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China