Shape memory effect of PMMA

• Main Author: Ge, Yuchen.
• Other Authors: Huang Weimin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Nanotechnology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/53554
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In order to design thin skin with programmable folding and unfolding configuration under stimuli, material with shape change and memory effect under various stimuli is studied. Among them, Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a commercial shape memory material. Research projects were first aimed at folding/unfolding effect of thin PMMA specimen with thermal treatment and chemical stimuli. PMMA specimen with thickness of 1mm was prepared for thermal-chemo induced shape change effect in the project. Its tensile properties under elevated temperature were inspected. Compression including using iron cylinder, thin rod and specific molds were prepared for further observations on shape changes of PMMA specimen induced by ethanol. Shape changes of specimens with scratched surfaces induced by ethanol were also observed. Ethanol penetration rates influenced by scratches were also tested and verified. PMMA specimens with thickness of 5mm were studied on the shape recovery by heat treatment and ethanol solution induction. Specimens were also categorized into room or high temperature compression. 3D surface scanning were generally applied to analyze specimens' surface changes. Shape recovery process triggers different reactions for different pre-compressed shape geometry. Through studying shape changes of the specific mold compressed specimens, trends of changes were obtained and verified.