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Research on 3D printing composite material mechanical characterization of robust soft-matter robots

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Abstract

The research aims to develop an affordable, user-friendly composite material with mechanical flexibility, durability, and wear-resistant properties for soft actuation to maintain its functionality and performance over time. In order to reach this goal, the experimental activities were specific into the following tasks: (a) material pre-selection, (b) design of the experiment, (c) specimen preparation (extrusion process), and (d) mechanical properties and material characterization. This research explores the utilization of regular thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in combination with electric-conductive thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU/E-TPU) to achieve enhanced flexibility and electrical conductivity. However, there is no doubt that composite materials are advanced materials with superior properties. The composite material is robust than both TPU and E-TPU in terms of its mechanical properties. It has the highest flexural strength 62 MPa, modulus 2.7 GPa, tensile strength 38 MPa, modulus 2.9 GPa, and fracture strain (480%). However, E-TPU and TPU represent a measured flexural strength of 35 MPa, indicating a similar level of strength. The SEM–EDS and microstructural analyses show excellent mechanical act of the composite. Carbon-based compounds (38% atomic C, 35% weight C) improve mechanical strength, stiffness, and robustness. Meanwhile, TPU’s polymer matrix uses oxygen (36% atomic, 44% weight) and boron (26% atomic, 21% weight) can enhance such characteristics, which is suitable for soft robotics, wearable electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and other manufacturing applications requiring flexible movement.

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Data availability

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

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Funding

This work was financially supported by Industrial Technology Research and Development Project of Jilin Province 2022C040-9； Jilin University Graduate Education Teaching Reform Project 2021JGZ24; Key project of Education Department of Jilin Province JJKH20231147KJ.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Advanced Materials Additive Manufacturing ((AM)²) Lab, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130025, China

    Muhammad Imran Farid, Wenzheng Wu, Guiwei Li & Zhao Yu

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  1. Muhammad Imran Farid
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  4. Zhao Yu
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The authors solely contributed to the manuscript. Moreover, we acknowledge Professor Wenzheng Wu (W. Wu) for his essential guidance throughout the writing process. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Wenzheng Wu.

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Farid, M.I., Wu, W., Li, G. et al. Research on 3D printing composite material mechanical characterization of robust soft-matter robots. Int J Adv Manuf Technol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-024-13725-2

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