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Literature Review
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Nanophase Separation in Segmented Polyurethane Elastomers
Pukánszky, Béla, et al. "Nanophase Separation in Segmented Polyurethane Elastomers: Effect of Specific Interactions on Structure and Properties." European Polymer Journal, vol. 44, no. 8, Aug. 2008, pp. 2431–38. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2008.06.008.
They are bio-compatible and can provide a functional outer coating
Tensile strength depends on the molecular weight
Adding -NCO/OH groups vary the molecular weight
You reach a point of excess -OH groups added
When you reached a peak of -OH groups added, the excess you put in the shorter the length before breakage
Melt viscosity relies on the length of the molecule
Stiffness relies on phase structure
Costello, C. R., et al. "Characterization of Heavyweight and Lightweight Polypropylene Prosthetic Mesh Explants From a Single Patient." Surgical Innovation, vol. 14, no. 3, Sept. 2007, pp. 168–76. Crossref, doi:10.1177/1553350607306356.
TPE Uses in Plastics
Amin, S., & Amin, M. (2011). THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERIC (TPE) MATERIALS AND THEIR USE IN OUTDOOR ELECTRICAL INSULATION. 16
The different types of thermoplastic elastomeric polymers. Classified and chemicalized.
Thermoplastic elastomeric polymers decompose slowly and are not hazardous to the environment.
When burned, it releases potential pollutants and cancer producing carcinogenic agents.
Show characteristics of polymer constituents.
Can use ultra sound waves to melt thermoplastics together.
Molding is petty popular and easy with thermoplastics.
Markarian, J. (2004). Processing and recycling advantages drive growth in thermoplastic elastomers. Plastics, Additives and Compounding, 6(6), 22–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1464-391X(04)00301-0
Thermoplastic elastonomers (TPEs) are typically flexible.
TPE can be recycled.
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is incompatible with other materials when using it to compound
Type of Plastic in Windshield Wiper
Theodore, A. N., Samus, M. A., & Killgoar, P. C. (1992). Environmentally durable elastomer materials for windshield wiper blades. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 31(12), 2759–2764. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie00012a020
Found tensile strength, ultimate elongation, tear strength, hardness, etc
EPDM compound might be good material for windshield wipers
Composite Material Windshield Wiper
Bielinski, D. M., Glab, P., & Slusarski, L. (2006). New approach to study tribological properties of polymer materials. A case of car windshield wipers. Journal of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, 15(1), 9.
Windshield wipers are made of natural rubber and ethylene-propylene copolymer.
Talks about mechanical characteristics and properties of windshield wipers.
By adding UV Radiation and Ozone to the material, the surface increases its polarity.
Graphene Polymer 3D Printing
Wei, X., Li, D., Jiang, W., Gu, Z., Wang, X., Zhang, Z., & Sun, Z. (2015). 3D Printable Graphene Composite. Scientific Reports (Nature Publisher Group); London, 5, 11181. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep11181
Printed with TPE around 230 degrees C
Degredation of material came around 400 degrees C
Lee, J., Ho-Chan, K., Jae-Won, C., & Lee, I. H. (2017). A review on 3D printed smart devices for 4D printing. International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing - Green Technology; Heidelberg, 4(3), 373–383. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40684-017-0042-x
Designs include a bike helmet, electronic devices (circuits, sensors, battery/capacitor).
Introduces 4D printing
Aumnate, C. (2018). Fabrication of ABS/Graphene Oxide Composite Filament for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D Printing. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering; New York, 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2018/2830437
Nozzle temp at 220 degrees C
Occasional clogged nozzle from printing occurred.
There was a composite mixture of Graphene-Oxide and ABS to successfully 3D print.
Our Thoughts
The way the body reacts to polypropylene depends on the genetic make up of the person
Checking the differences between light-weight and heavy-weight polypropylene in the body
Could soak the material in a buffer solution (better homeostasis qualities)
Take into account the oxidation of the material to determine longevity
Tests
The material was put through a device known as a Recyclebot in order for it to be made into printable filament
Once turned into filament, the material was inserted into a Lulzbot Taz 6 and a Gigabot to test if the material could be used similarly as regular filament (i.e. PLA or PETG)
By using a Delta Open-source 3D-printer, the filament was able to extrude into a snowflake shape once; any other attempt afterwards failed
Due to the material not being able to print, it was injected into a tensile bar, and a fingertip, mold
Findings
After a complete chemical analysis, the material was found to be pieces of windshield wipers
The material is able to be made into 3D-print flexible filament by using the Recyclebot set at a melting temperature of 250 C
To make half a roll of filament, the process took approximately 3 to 4 hours
The filament is unable to print through 3D-printer possibly due to windshield wipers being made out of multiple materials with a variety of melting points
The material is capable of being used in 3D-printed molds
Uses
The windshield wiper material was used in building two prosthetic hands. The first prosthetic used the material as a screw by soldering the material at the ends to keep the filament from falling out of the prosthetic. This methodology worked to keep the hand together and is easily removable from the device. The second prosthetic used the material to create fingertips by using a 3D-printed mold.
Images
Fig 01: A sample of filament created through the Recyclebot
Fig 02: A quarter of a roll that was used during the 3D-printing tests
Fig 03: The first, and only, successful print using a Delta printer
Fig 04: The prosthetic hand that used the flexible material as a method to hold the pieces together
Fig 05: The finger mold used for the injection molding phase
