Process parameters of 4D printing which affect the shape memory effect of PLA

This masters thesis investigates the influence of various printing parameters on the shape memory effect of 3D printed objects, with a focus on fixity and recovery rates. Through a series of experimental tests, it was observed that printing temperature had minimal impact on fixity and recovery rates. However, correlations were identified between...

Chemo-physico-mechanical properties of the interface zone between bacterial PLA self-healing capsules and cement paste

In this study, the interface between different types of bacteria-embedded self-healing polylactic acid capsules (PLA) and cement paste is investigated. Particularly, the changes in microstructure and mechanical properties of the interface with respect to bulk cement paste were studied. First, nanoindentation was performed to obtain maps of...

Novel manufacturing method for FRP composites with a multifunctional vascular network

Fibre reinforced polymer composite materials are becoming more widely adopted for high performance industrial applications. The hierarchical nature of these materials offers a unique opportunity to incorporate multi-functionality whilst maintaining their excellent mechanical properties. Ideally, multifunctional composites can be configured to...