Direct-print thermally responsive 4D textiles by depositing PLA on prestretched fabrics
ISSN: 1355-2546
Article publication date: 17 November 2023
Issue publication date: 7 February 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a four-dimensional (4D) textile composite that self-forms upon thermal stimulation while eliminating thermomechanical programming steps by using fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology, and tries to refine the product development path for this composite.
Design/methodology/approach
Polylactic acid (PLA) printing filaments were deposited on prestretched Lycra-knitted fabric using desktop-level FDM 3D printing technology to construct a three-layer structure of thermally responsive 4D textiles. Subsequently, the effects of different PLA thicknesses and Lycra knit fabric relative elongation on the permanent shape of thermally responsive 4D textiles were studied. Finally, a simulation program was written, and a case in this study demonstrates the usage of thermally responsive 4D textiles and the simulation program to design a wrist support product.
Findings
The constructed three-layer structure of PLA and Lycra knitted fabric can self-form under thermal stimulation. The material can also achieve reversible transformation between a permanent shape and multiple temporary shapes. Thinner PLA deposition and higher relative elongation of the Lycra-knitted fabric result in the greater curvature of the permanent shape of the thermally responsive 4D textile. The simulation program accurately predicted the permanent form of multiple basic shapes.
Originality/value
The proposed method enables 4D textiles to directly self-form upon thermal, which helps to improve the manufacturing efficiency of 4D textiles. The thermal responsiveness of the composite also contributes to building an intelligent human–material–environment interaction system.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: This work is supported by the Humanities and Social Sciences Youth Fund of Ministry of Education “Research on Chinese Traditional Fiber Product Design Strategy Based on DFS Theory” No. 20YJC760037.
Citation
Zhang, J., Shen, D., Yu, Y., Bao, D., Li, C. and Qin, J. (2024), "Direct-print thermally responsive 4D textiles by depositing PLA on prestretched fabrics", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 277-286. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-04-2023-0125
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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