Research

4D Printing with Shape Memory Polymer for Vat Photopolymerization

4D printing technology enhances conventional 3D printing by incorporating shape memory polymers (SMPs). 4D-Printed parts can dynamically change their shapes over time in response to environmental stimuli. This cutting-edge technique opens up new possibilities for smart materials and adaptive structures in various fields, from biomedical devices to aerospace engineering. 

We aim to understand how the formulation will affect the mechanical behaviors under different temperatures. By understanding how formulation of one-way thermally stimulated shape memory polymers can affect thermomechanical properties and shape memory effect, we manipulate the materials recipes and process parameters to achieve required magnitude of force and displacement toward targeted applications. 

• Choong, Yu Ying Clarrisa, Saeed Maleksaeedi, Hengky Eng, Jun Wei, and Pei-Chen Su. "4D printing of high performance shape memory polymer using stereolithography." Materials & Design 126 (2017): 219-225. LINK

Dental Aligner Application

As part of our focus on dental applications, we are developing a dental aligner utilizing SMPs. This aligner is designed to exert a recovery force that gently pushes the teeth into proper alignment as the SMP regains its original shape. The effectiveness of this force depends not only on the specific formulation of the materials but also on the programming temperature. This innovative approach aims to optimize the comfort and efficiency of dental corrections. 

4D Printing for Medical Applications

As medical applications, we are focused on developing scaffolds and using SMPs. A key objective of this research is not only to develop biocompatible SMPs but also to design structures that are easily compressible, facilitating their deployment in medical procedures. Specifically, we are experimenting with printing expandable structures in various shapes, evaluating their compressive strength and recovery force. These assessments are crucial as we explore the feasibility of integrating these innovative designs into practical medical applications, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.