Characterisation of the shape memory effect of PET polymer by FFF 3D printing

Abstract

In recent years the interest in finding new shape memory polymers has increased. Withal, fewer studies approached the use of regular materials such as polyethene terephthalate (PET), a widely available material. The research investigated the shape memory characteristics of regular PET 3D printed samples in two testing cycles. The recovery temperature was determined through dynamical mechanical, followed by tensile testing and heat treatment of the specimens. The results show PET has good shape memory properties, recording a slight increase in shape recovery during the second testing cycle without affecting the sample integrity. The thermal analysis of the recovered material shows that heat treatment time or/and temperature need to be improved to stabilise the PET material structure.

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