Local heat treatment for polymer modification and shape switching

From synthetic fibers in the fashion industry, and polymer-based paints for construction, to biomedical devices in healthcare, the ability to quickly change the physical and chemical properties of polymers makes them very versatile and widely used all over the world. Moreover, most polymers also possess shape memory effect (SME), which allows a material to return to its original shape from a temporary programmed shape under the right conditions. This report will investigate how heat treatment from a 400-460nm wavelength diode laser engraving machine on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyimide (PI), and thermoplastic polyurethane 262A (TPU) will affect their physical properties and outward appearance. A series of experiments were conducted on these materials to explore ways where precise local heating through laser treatment when applied to these materials can alter their physical properties and appearance in a controlled and precise manner to create 3-dimensional (3D) structures or patterns that may allow us to create new and innovative products.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering