Brittle/ductile transition in pre-stretched polystyrene sheets

• Main Author: Yee, Jun Long
• Other Authors: Huang Weimin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/176377
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Polystyrene (PS), commonly used in products like Shrinky Dinks, can change shape and then return to its original form when triggered. This study looks at how PS achieves this shape memory effect through stretching and rapid cooling. Previous research shows that adjusting the temperature and stretching process can change the material's properties, making it less brittle. Although there were issues with uneven shrinking and sample quality in the experiments, the study confirms that PS works well as a shape memory material. To improve results, the study suggests redesigning the experimental tools and selecting better samples.