Microstructural design of 4D printed angle-ply laminated strips with tunable shape memory properties

Abstract Four-dimensional (4D) printed laminated structures, created by combining three-dimensional (3D) printing technology with shape memory polymer, have tremendous potential for applying in functional devices and sequentially controlled actuators. This work is aimed to study the tunable shape recovery behavior and recovery force of 4D printed laminated strips based on the microstructural design of raster angle and infill percentage. The effects of raster angle and infill percentage on the shape recovery properties of the printed specimens were investigated. The recovery force of the printed specimens was measured using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The microstructural parameters had a significant influence on the shape recovery behavior and recovery force. Finally, the sequential shape-morphing behavior of 4D printed laminated strips using a single material was demonstrated.