Two-photon polymerization of shape memory polymeric micro-structures

• Main Author: Clavero, Jean
• Other Authors: Su Pei-Chen
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2020
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/140955
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

From the creation of the first laser in 1960, light amplification has allowed a wide range of new manufacturing processes to appear. Among these, the emergence of 3D printing is one of the most notable ones, bringing freedom of product complexity & customization to new levels. In recent 3D printing techniques, the layer-by-layer deposition type known as stereolithography (SLA) is particularly adapted to the printing of shape memory polymers (SMPs). These can morph over time due to external stimuli, which has brought them to be classified as 4D printed materials. Being usually manufactured through conventional processes such as extrusion or injection molding, shape memory polymers have more recently been studied through the lens of SLA, which allows smaller, more intricate parts to be made. In this paper, the first demonstration of a 200×200×200µm SLA printed shape memory polymer with useful application will be presented.