Light-Driven Polymeric Bilayer Actuators Fabricated by 3-D Printing

Details

Title: Light-Driven Polymeric Bilayer Actuators Fabricated by 3-D Printing
Author(s): Hagaman, Daniel E.
Advisor(s): Ji, Hai-Feng
Keywords: Chemistry; Polymer chemistry; Three-dimensional printing; Actuators; Smart materials; Light; Thin films
Date: 2018-08
Publisher: Drexel University
Thesis: Ph.D., Chemistry -- Drexel University, 2018
Abstract: 4D printing is an emerging additive manufacturing technology that combines the precision of 3D printing with the versatility of smart materials. 4D printed objects can change their shape over time with the application of a stimulus (i.e., heat, light, moisture). Light driven smart materials are attractive because light is wireless, remote, and can induce a rapid shape change. Herein, we present a method for fabricating polymeric bilayer actuators via 3D printing which reversibly change their shape upon exposure to light. The photoactive layer consists of a poly(siloxane) containing pendant azobenzene groups. Several different photoactive polymers were synthesized, to study how substitution of the benzene rings affected the properties of the active layer polymers and the bilayer actuators. The photomechanical effect displayed by the bilayers was evaluated quantitatively. These bilayers exhibit rapid actuation with full cycles completed within seconds, and photo-generated stresses ranging from 1.03 - 1.70 MPa.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1860/idea:8153
In Collections: Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Search iDEA

Advanced Search