Dual‐Stimuli Responsive and Sustainable PLA/APHA/TPU Blend for 4D Printing

4D printing of shape memory polymers (SMPs) offers transformative potential for patient-specific medical devices, yet current SMPs often face a trade-off between mechanical toughness and low-temperature activation. This study presents a novel PLA/APHA/TPU blend filament for 3D printing that overcomes this limitation by combining high strength and flexibility with low-temperature shape memory activation-features not previously achieved in PLA-based SMPs. The uniform dispersion of TPU and APHA in the PLA matrix creates a composite with enhanced tensile strength, modulus, and elongation, addressing the brittleness typical of neat PLA. The optimized 60/20/20 wt.% formulation enables rapid shape recovery at ∼39.5°C, significantly below PLA's glass transition, with near-complete shape fixity (∼100%) and high recovery ratios (>92%) under both thermal and mechanical stimuli. This dual-responsive behavior is driven by the synergistic roles of TPU (providing ductility) and APHA (enhancing flexibility and thermal sensitivity). The composite also retains excellent printability and biocompatibility, making it ideal for next-generation biomedical SMP applications such as 4D-printed orthopedic braces, soft robotic actuators, and adaptive implants. Using bio-based, biodegradable polymers, this work advances eco-friendly, high-performance SMPs for additive manufacturing, setting a new benchmark for PLA-based 4D-printable materials.

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Publication Details

Journal
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
Published
2025-08-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202500414
Citations
4
Primary Topic
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.73

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article

Dual‐Stimuli Responsive and Sustainable PLA/APHA/TPU Blend for 4D Printing

Salman Pervaiz, Ibrahim Deiab, Shafahat Ali, L. Beard et al.
4 citations
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
2.73
article

Dual‐Stimuli Responsive and Sustainable PLA/APHA/TPU Blend for 4D Printing

Salman Pervaiz, Ibrahim Deiab, Shafahat Ali, L. Beard, Mamoun Alshihabi
article en
4 citations

Abstract

4D printing of shape memory polymers (SMPs) offers transformative potential for patient-specific medical devices, yet current SMPs often face a trade-off between mechanical toughness and low-temperature activation. This study presents a novel PLA/APHA/TPU blend filament for 3D printing that overcomes this limitation by combining high strength and flexibility with low-temperature shape memory activation-features not previously achieved in PLA-based SMPs. The uniform dispersion of TPU and APHA in the PLA matrix creates a composite with enhanced tensile strength, modulus, and elongation, addressing the brittleness typical of neat PLA. The optimized 60/20/20 wt.% formulation enables rapid shape recovery at ∼39.5°C, significantly below PLA's glass transition, with near-complete shape fixity (∼100%) and high recovery ratios (>92%) under both thermal and mechanical stimuli. This dual-responsive behavior is driven by the synergistic roles of TPU (providing ductility) and APHA (enhancing flexibility and thermal sensitivity). The composite also retains excellent printability and biocompatibility, making it ideal for next-generation biomedical SMP applications such as 4D-printed orthopedic braces, soft robotic actuators, and adaptive implants. Using bio-based, biodegradable polymers, this work advances eco-friendly, high-performance SMPs for additive manufacturing, setting a new benchmark for PLA-based 4D-printable materials.

Macromolecular Rapid CommunicationsVol. 46(21)
Rochester Institute of Technology - Dubai (AE), Australian University, Kuwait (KW), University of Guelph (CA)
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Openalex Percentile: Top 9%
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
2.73
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Dual‐Stimuli Responsive and Sustainable PLA/APHA/TPU Blend for 4D Printing — Salman Pervaiz, Ibrahim Deiab, et al. · Macromolecular Rapid Communications (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS