Abstract
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) can revert to a memorized geometry when heated beyond their phase-transformation temperature. The unique thermally activated deformation offered by the SMP have enabled unprecedented morphing electronics. This work targeted the additive manufacture of three-dimensional (3D) and self-deployable antenna for aerospace applications by merging filament printing and direct ink writing. 3D SMP morphing structures were first fabricated by mixed-printing of thermoplastic polyurethane and polylactide filaments. The SMP structures were then flattened out into two-dimensional (2D) substrates, which are the temporary shape of the SMPs, by cooling down from phase transformation temperature while maintaining a mechanical blocking force. Patterned electrodes were fabricated on the 2D SMP substrates by directly writing commercial silver pastes using an nScrypt microdispenser. The 2D SMPs with electrodes on top eventually reverted to their memorized 3D shapes when driven by an external heat source. The preliminary experimental validation in this study confirmed that these additive manufacturing procedures can enable economic and rapid prototyping of 3D antennas in complex geometries.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of SPIE |
| State | Published - 1 Jan 2022 |
Keywords
- additive manufacturing
- flexible electronics
- shape memory polymer
EGS Disciplines
- Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering
- Mechanical Engineering