Mobility-Driven Design of PDMS-Modified Glassy Polymer Networks for Thermally Activated Shape Memory in Vat Photopolymerization
Yura Choi, Namchul Cho · MDPI AG · 2026
By tuning PDMS-MMA mobility segments and switching monomer chemistry in photocurable networks, the study achieves thermally activated shape-memory behavior suitable for vat photopolymerization 4D printing.
Plain English summary
Why this matters
Key findings
- PDMS-MMA-modified photocurable networks were formulated for vat photopolymerization by varying PDMS-MMA content and switching monomer structure with fixed TMPTMA crosslinker.
- FT-IR confirmed effective photocuring of acrylate/methacrylate networks, and rheology showed viscosity changes with monomer structure and PDMS-MMA content.
- DMA identified thermomechanical transitions, with some broad tan δ responses attributed to network heterogeneity and distributed segmental relaxation.
- Selected formulations (T-15 and I-15) showed high shape fixity over two programming–recovery cycles.
- I-15 exhibited stable recovery (91.51% and 95.87%), while T-15 showed apparent over-recovery (>100%) likely due to residual stress release during reheating.
Limitations
The abstract notes that stable strain-controlled programming was not achievable for printed specimens, so force-control was used for shape-memory testing. It also reports that some formulations showed broad tan δ responses due to network heterogeneity, which may complicate transition characterization.
Publication
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Publication date
- July 7, 2026
- Research type
- Paper
- License
- https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tags
More on Shape-Memory Polymers
See all →Modelling the thermo-mechanical responses and shape recovery performance of particle-reinforced shape memory polymer composites in cold and hot programming
A study focused on modeling thermo-mechanical behavior and shape recovery of particle-reinforced shape-memory polymer composites when programmed in cold versus hot conditions.
In Situ Scanning Electron Microscopy Investigation of Flexural and Interlaminar Failure Mechanisms in Carbon Nanotube‐Reinforced Shape Memory Polymer Composites
In situ SEM shows that CNT-reinforced shape memory polymer composites fail via distinct, architecture-dependent mechanisms, with buckypaper interleaves improving Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness.
Solvent‐Responsive Shape Memory Porous Semicrystalline Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Porous semicrystalline TPU made by salt-leaching can recover shape in ethyl acetate, with solvent-driven changes in amorphous mobility and partial crystalline dissolution improving recovery while preserving mechanical properties.
Shape Memory Polymers: An Overview
This review systematically surveys shape-memory polymer composites and their thermally, solvent, light, electrically, and magnetically induced response mechanisms, highlighting key design strategies and remaining challenges.
Fluorescent Shape Memory Polymer with Dynamic Aggregation-Induced Emission Cross-Linking: Visualization and Prediction of Shape Memory Performance
A fluorescent shape-memory polymer is designed with dynamic aggregation-induced emission cross-linking to enable visualization and prediction of its shape-memory performance.
Photothermal driven shape memory polymer based on MXene-grafted-polycaprolactone with fast response and easy recyclability
A photothermal-driven shape-memory polymer based on MXene-grafted polycaprolactone is presented as having fast response and easy recyclability.
Recently published
Latest research →Bio-inspired re-entrant honeycomb metamaterial with programmable dual-plateau mechanical response
A bio-inspired re-entrant honeycomb mechanical metamaterial is described as having a programmable dual-plateau mechanical response.
Functional Shape Recovery Response of Heat-Treated NiTiCu SHAPE Memory Alloy Wire
Heat treatment of NiTiCu shape memory alloy wires enhances their shape recovery response, achieving a high recovery ratio.
Dorsiventrally Bicolored Leaf‐Inspired Metamaterial Absorbers for Tailorable Electromagnetic Absorption
This research proposes a bioinspired metamaterial that achieves high-performance, tailorable electromagnetic absorption across a broad frequency range.
A Deformable Robot Based on Shape Memory Alloy and Phase Change Metal
This research presents a novel deformable robot that integrates Shape Memory Alloys and phase change metals for enhanced adaptability and locomotion.