SUMMARY

This proposal focuses on the photomechanical behaviors of two polymer systems: light-activated polymers (LAP) and two-stage polymers; and the applications to active structures as well as 3D printing. For the photomechanical study of LAP, we develop a composite design to achieve photo-induced bending and use theoretical models to assist the bending performance. For two-stage polymers, we are developing photothermomechanical model to describe the photo-induced property evolution observed in the experiments. We also explore the applications of photopolymers in additive manufacturing and use photopolymers mixed with salt particulates as ink to 3D print porous parts. Parts with 70% porosity can be printed in self-supported states and another part can be encapsulated inside owing to self-supporting and salt leaching.