Shape-memory polymers
Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of smart materials that are able to store a temporary shape and to recover the permanent shape upon the application of an external stimulus. SMPs possess several advantages such as large deformations, low cost and density, potential biocompatibility and biodegradability, and excellent manufacturability, that make them interesting for, e.g., actuation purposes, biomedical applications, or packaging.
The aim of this activity is the advanced constitutive modeling and numerical simulation of SMPs exhibiting the one-way and two-way shape-memory effects. One- and three-dimensional macroscopic models, formulated within a finite-strain and thermo-mechanically consistent mathematical framework, are proposed for thermo-responsive SMPs. Models' validation is performed through a comparison with experimental data. Simulations of real devices is also performed.
Key publications:
M. Arricca, N. Inverardi, S. Pandini, M. Toselli, M. Messori, F. Auricchio, G. Scalet, Phenomenological modeling of the stress-free two-way shape-memory effect in semi-crystalline networks: Formulation, numerical simulation, and experimental validation. European Journal of Mechanics - A/Solids, 105, 105245, 2024. (doi)
G. Scalet, Two-Way and Multiple-Way Shape Memory Polymers for Soft Robotics: An Overview, Actuators, 9(1), 10, 2020. (publish version) (doi)
E. Sachyani Keneth, R. Lieberman, M. Rednor, G. Scalet, F. Auricchio, S. Magdassi, Multi-Material 3D Printed Shape Memory Polymer with Tunable Melting and Glass Transition Temperature Activated by Heat or Light, Polymers, 12(3), 710, 2020. (publish version) (doi)
G. Scalet, S. Pandini, M. Messori, M. Toselli, F. Auricchio. A one-dimensional phenomenological model for the two-way shape-memory effect in semi-crystalline networks, Polymer, 158, 130-148, 2018. (pre-print version) (doi)
E. Boatti, G. Scalet, F. Auricchio. A three-dimensional finite-strain phenomenological model for shape-memory polymers: formulation, numerical simulations, and comparison with experimental data, International Journal of Plasticity, 83, 153-177, 2016. (pre-print version) (doi)
G. Scalet, F. Auricchio, E. Bonetti, L. Castellani, D. Ferri, M. Pachera, F. Scavello. An experimental, theoretical and numerical investigation of shape memory polymers, International Journal of Plasticity, 67, 127-147, 2015 (featured in the SCIENCE DIRECT TOP 25 LIST of most downloaded articles - ranked 13th on the TOP 25 for IJP - April to June 2015). (pre-print version) (doi)
Past special issues:
Special Issue on "Shape-Changing Polymers for Actively Moving Structures" on Frontiers in Materials Journal. Webpage: www.frontiersin.org/journals/materials
Special Issue on "Shape Memory Polymer Actuators" on MDPI Actuators. Webpage: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/actuators/special_issues/smpa