4D printing of PETG/TPU shape memory nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon black (CB)
- 1School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
4D printing of shape memory polymers (SMPs) enables time-programmed function, and conductive fillers are promising additives for improving thermomechanical performance and potentially enabling future electrothermal activation. In this study, the effect of carbon-based nanoparticles, including carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), on a PETG/TPU (70/30) blend was investigated using formulations reinforced with CB or CNT at 6 wt% and a hybrid CB3%/CNT3%. The mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), printability, morphology, and shape memory behavior of the nanocomposites were investigated. The neat PETG/TPU showed UTS 26.22 MPa and elongation 7.9%; the elastic modulus was essentially unchanged by adding nanoparticles. Among the nanocomposites, CB6% provided the best overall balance, with UTS 26.63 MPa, elongation 7.67%, and 92% recovery in 19 s (fixity 100%). CNT6% exhibited lower strength but higher ductility (elongation roughly doubled versus the neat blend) with recovery close to CB6%. The CB3%/CNT3% hybrid showed the weakest mechanical response and the lowest recovery. microstructural properties supported these trends: CB showed more uniform dispersion and fewer interlayer voids; CNT was broadly similar but slightly rougher; the hybrid displayed more defects. Overall, 6 wt% CB is identified as the most balanced composition for PETG/TPU when mechanical integrity, printability, and rapid thermally induced shape recovery are required. 6 wt% CNT is suitable where additional deformability is desired, while the equal-ratio hybrid should be avoided unless dispersion is improved.
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BibTeX
@article{khorooty2026printing,
title = {{4D printing of PETG/TPU shape memory nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon black (CB)}},
author = {Sahar Khorooty and Mahdi Khajepour and Mohammad Amin Yousefi and Davood Rahmatabadi and Majid Baniassadi and Mostafa Baghani},
journal = {Journal of Materials Research and Technology},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.1016/j.jmrt.2026.06.165},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2026.06.165},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - 4D printing of PETG/TPU shape memory nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon black (CB)
AU - Sahar Khorooty
AU - Mahdi Khajepour
AU - Mohammad Amin Yousefi
AU - Davood Rahmatabadi
AU - Majid Baniassadi
AU - Mostafa Baghani
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/18
JO - Journal of Materials Research and Technology
DO - 10.1016/j.jmrt.2026.06.165
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2026.06.165
AB - 4D printing of shape memory polymers (SMPs) enables time-programmed function, and conductive fillers are promising additives for improving thermomechanical performance and potentially enabling future electrothermal activation. In this study, the effect of carbon-based nanoparticles, including carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), on a PETG/TPU (70/30) blend was investigated using formulations reinforced with CB or CNT at 6 wt% and a hybrid CB3%/CNT3%. The mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), printability, morphology, and shape memory behavior of the nanocomposites were investigated. The neat PETG/TPU showed UTS 26.22 MPa and elongation 7.9%; the elastic modulus was essentially unchanged by adding nanoparticles. Among the nanocomposites, CB6% provided the best overall balance, with UTS 26.63 MPa, elongation 7.67%, and 92% recovery in 19 s (fixity 100%). CNT6% exhibited lower strength but higher ductility (elongation roughly doubled versus the neat blend) with recovery close to CB6%. The CB3%/CNT3% hybrid showed the weakest mechanical response and the lowest recovery. microstructural properties supported these trends: CB showed more uniform dispersion and fewer interlayer voids; CNT was broadly similar but slightly rougher; the hybrid displayed more defects. Overall, 6 wt% CB is identified as the most balanced composition for PETG/TPU when mechanical integrity, printability, and rapid thermally induced shape recovery are required. 6 wt% CNT is suitable where additional deformability is desired, while the equal-ratio hybrid should be avoided unless dispersion is improved.
SN - 2214-0697
SN - 2238-7854
ER -