LAUSR

In this work, a simple approach to 3D printing of carbon black based shape memory polymer nanocomposites (SMP/CB) with toughness improving capabilities during programing stage using electrical stimulus is reported. Conductive SMP/CB nanocomposites, consisting of commercial SMP filled with conductive CB nanoparticles, were fabricated using solvent casting and single screw extrusion processes. Subsequently, material extrusion (ME) technique was used to 3D print dog bones type IV specimens for tensile test and electrical stimulus. It was found that SMP/CB electrical conductivity can be tuned by the filler fraction. In addition, electrical current passing through SMP/CB nanocomposites causes temperature increments and changes on material strength condition. Temperature profiles at various electrical current levels are reported. Moreover, Young's modulus and toughness of the 3D printed specimens subjected and not subjected to electrical current are presented. It was observed that conductive SMP/CB specimens responded to electrical current stimulus by increasing their toughness four times higher than with no current applied during tensile test. This paper is a reference for rheological and conductive properties of SMP/CB nanocomposites fabricated by ME 3D printing process.