Three-Dimensional Printing of Functional Polymers

This project aims to develop methods to three-dimensional (3D) print functional polymer inks to create advanced objects with engineered properties. Additive manufacturing has the ability to transform industries bringing manufacturing into local business and homes. However, for the true potential to be met, innovative polymer inks need to be developed. This project will develop innovative polymer inks as raw materials for affordable 3D printers. It will prepare a range of polymer inks that respond and change their properties in response to their environment, for example a temperature switch. This will enable printed objects to perform complex tasks such as shape shifting and self-healing.