INVESTIGATION OF THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE SHAPE MEMORY POLYMERS USING 4D PRINTING TECHNIQUE

4D printing represents a transformative advancement in additive fabrication, enabling the creation of printed structures capable of evolving in shape, properties, or functionality over time in response to external stimuli such as heat, light, or moisture. At the forefront of this innovation are Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs), which exhibit the unique ability to return to a pre-programmed shape upon stimulation. This research investigates the mechanical performance of a Shape Memory Polymer developed from a Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) blend in a 70:30 ratio, optimized to balance rigidity and flexibility for enhanced shape memory effects and structural integrity. The study encompasses the identification and optimization of critical process parameters, fabrication of standard test specimens using 4D printing techniques, and comprehensive evaluation of mechanical properties, including tensile strength, elasticity, and fracture toughness, as well as thermal characteristics such as glass transition temperature and thermal stability. In addition to experimental analysis, numerical simulations are employed to replicate observed shape memory behavior, providing a comparative framework between physical and computational outcomes. The results aim to advance the understanding and practical applications of SMP-based 4D- printed materials in fields requiring load-bearing capacity, functional adaptability, and durability.