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Solvent-assisted programming of flat polymer sheets into reconfigurable and self-healing 3D structures

Author

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  • Yang Yang

    (Tsinghua University
    University of Cambridge)

  • Eugene M. Terentjev

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Yen Wei

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Yan Ji

    (Tsinghua University)

Abstract

It is extremely challenging, yet critically desirable to convert 2D plastic films into 3D structures without any assisting equipment. Taking the advantage of solvent-induced bond-exchange reaction and elastic-plastic transition, shape programming of flat vitrimer polymer sheets offers a new way to obtain 3D structures or topologies, which are hard for traditional molding to achieve. Here we show that such programming can be achieved with a pipette, a hair dryer, and a bottle of solvent. The polymer used here is very similar to the commercial epoxy, except that a small percentage of a specific catalyst is involved to facilitate the bond-exchange reaction. The programmed 3D structures can later be erased, reprogrammed, welded with others, and healed again and again, using the same solvent-assisted technique. The 3D structures can also be recycled by hot-pressing into new sheets, which can still be repeatedly programmed.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang Yang & Eugene M. Terentjev & Yen Wei & Yan Ji, 2018. "Solvent-assisted programming of flat polymer sheets into reconfigurable and self-healing 3D structures," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-04257-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04257-x
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