Shape Memory Properties of Ti-Ni Shape Memory Alloy / Shape Memory Polymer Composites Using Additive Manufacturing

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have the disadvantage that cooling is difficult and the actuating speed during cooling is slow. To resolve this problem, shape memory material actuators that operate only with heating is required. SMAs are characterized by a low apparent Young's modulus below the transformation temperature and a strong shape recovery force above the reverse transformation temperature. Alternatively, shape memory polymers (SMPs) have two properties: shape fixability and shape recovery. The SMPs are hardened below the glass transition (Tg) temperature and the material is recovered to memorized shape above the Tg temperature. The other hand, 3D printer is a machine that can directly output a 3D-designed product designed by a computer in 3D, and molded materials such as polymer, resin, metal, and ceramics. In this research, we developed the SMC of SMA wire and SMP sheet using adhesive that develops actuates into two shapes only by heating.