Textile and Apparel Science

Evaluating the Transformation Performance of 4D-Printed Polymer-Textile Composites

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Abstract

This study investigates 4DP by manipulating material variables to examine its influence on shape transformation performance.Polymer-textile composites consisting of shore 70A/82A TPU and a shape-memory polymer were printed atop a synthetic knitted substrate. We identified the effects of materials on adhesion and the overall transformation performance of the 4DPpolymer textile composite (PTC). This study established a systematic method for developing and evaluating 4DP PTC, identified optimal material partners and printing conditions for fabricating 4DP PTC, and evaluated the transformation performance of different 4DP PTC specimens under shape fixity, response, and life-cycle tests. This preliminary study will also help lead to the further development of 4DP PTC aimed at real-world applications, emphasizing developing practical and personalized design products. Further research can explore the potential of 4DP PTC in smart transformable garments,situational-adaptive products, assistive garments, interactive textile art/design, and soft robotics applications. 

Keywords: 4D Printing, Peel Resistance, Polymer Textile Composite, Shape Recovery, TPU

How to Cite:

Cheung, T. & Choi, S., (2024) “Evaluating the Transformation Performance of 4D-Printed Polymer-Textile Composites”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17187