Poly(methyl methacrylate) for active disassembly

• Main Authors: Purnawali, Hendra, Ding, Zheng, Huang, Wei Min, Wang, Chang Chun, Xu, W. W., Zhao, Y., Fan, H.
• Other Authors: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/97693; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/12046
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This paper focuses on the applications of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), one of the most commonly used engineering polymers, for active disassembly (AD). PMMA was first characterized by a series of thermo-mechanical tests to find the suitable programming temperatures and its shape memory characteristics. Four releasable fasteners were then developed, and tested, i.e. active screw, active joint, active snap-fit and active tab. It was successfully demonstrated that PMMA is a promising candidate for AD. Moreover, programmed AD has been achieved as well through a series of temperature-activated actions during the disassembly process. These techniques are applicable to other engineering polymers for AD and programmed AD.