Thermoresponsive Programmable Materials

Thermoresponsive programmable materials are able to adapt their shape to the environment. The material behavior is described by “if-then-else” functions. Since they do not require control electronics, cables or other technical devices, the self-sufficient material behavior opens the door to new applications. Thermoresponsive programmable materials can be made from shape memory polymers, which are typically thermomechanically treated to exhibit either the one-way or two-way shape memory effect upon temperature variation. In either case, thermoresponsiveness can be integrated to some degree through additive manufacturing using the method of fused filament fabrication. This 4D-printing approach saves energy and increases control over the behavior of programmable materials whose structures can be designed as needed. With the vision of thermally adaptable objects, thermoplastic polyurethanes were synthesized, processed and the properties of highly functional objects were characterized.