Shape Memory Poly(carbonate urethanes) with High Switching Temperatures for 4D Printing Applications

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials capable of recovering a permanent shape upon exposure to an external stimulus such as heat,[1] light,[2] magnetic fields[3] or moisture[4] and have therefore garnered significant attention as a versatile platform technology. However, their application in aerospace, automotive, and fire protection sectors is often limited by low switching temperatures. This research focuses on the development of novel thermoplastic poly(carbonate urethanes) (PCUs) with high and tunable switching temperatures. A key innovation is their 4D printing[5] via fused filament fabrication (FFF), enabling the direct manufacturing of thermoresponsive objects without requiring a separate programming step.