Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
The need for multifunctional light weight structures for engineering applications is on the rise. Multifunctional composites are desired because of their ability to combine multiple functionalities into one structure. The advantages of a high strength-to-weight ratio of multifunctional composites make them desirable and suitable for use in energy-efficient applications. Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) have attracted interest over the past several decades because of their multifunctional nature. They have found use in many applications such as aerospace, satellites, automobiles, textiles, and biomedical devices, where lightweight and multifunctionality are key. The self-healing nature of most SMPs makes them suitable for use in lightweight structures where autonomous damage repair is required. However, most of these SMPs and self-healing-based composites use the traditional autoclave and thermal curing approach which is not energy efficient and also places a limitation on the achievement of intricate and complex engineering design. We present an out-of-autoclave photopolymerization synthesis approach to produce energy efficient and sustainable multifunctional composite structures for engineering applications. The first chapter introduces shape-memory polymers, self-healing polymers, and multifunctional composite systems. The second chapter presents a multifunctional shape memory and self-healing polymer system with delamination damage repair capabilities through joule heating, structural health monitoring, strain sensing, de-icing in cryogenic temperature environments, and room-temperature shape restoration. The third chapter extends the multifunctional self-healing approach to produce vitrimer nanoparticles to reinforce high-temperature shape-memory polymer matrix for composites used in very harsh environments. The fourth chapter extends the multifunctional SMPs and techniques discussed in the previous chapters to develop shape-memory and self-healing UV-favorable composite prepregs for on-demand damage repairs and fabrication of multifunctional composite structures. The last chapter develops additive manufacturing 4D printing ink and produces multifunctional nanocomposite for engineering applications.
Date
4-24-2025
Recommended Citation
Konlan, John B., "ADVANCED MANUFACTURING OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER COMPOSITES AND SELF-HEALING SYSTEMS" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6770.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6770
Committee Chair
Li, Guoqiang
Included in
Ceramic Materials Commons, Manufacturing Commons, Other Mechanical Engineering Commons, Polymer and Organic Materials Commons, Semiconductor and Optical Materials Commons, Structural Materials Commons