Mechanical properties and reliability of parametrically designed architected materials using urethane elastomers

Jun Morita, Yoshihiko Ando, Satoshi Komatsu, Kazuki Matsumura, Taisuke Okazaki, Yoshihiro Asano, Masashi Nakatani, Hiroya Tanaka

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Achieving multiple physical properties from a single material through three-dimensional (3D) printing is important for manufacturing applications. In addition, industrial-level durability and reliability is necessary for realizing individualized manufacturing of devices using 3D printers. We investigated the properties of architected materials composed of ultraviolet (UV)-cured urethane elastomers for use as insoles. The durability and reliability of microlattice and metafoam architected materials were compared with those composed of various foamed materials currently used in medical insoles. The hardness of the architected materials was able to be continuously adjusted by controlling the design parameters, and the combination of the two materials was effective in controlling rebound resilience. In particular, the features of the architected materials were helpful for customizing the insole properties, such as hardness, propulsive force, and shock absorption, according to the user’s needs. Further, using elastomer as a component led to better results in fatigue testing and UV resistance compared with the plastic foam currently used for medical purposes. Specifically, polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate were deformed in the fatigue test, and polyurethane was mechanically deteriorated by UV rays. Therefore, these architected materials are expected to be reliable for long-term use in insoles.

Original languageEnglish
Article number842
JournalPolymers
Volume13
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021 Mar 1

Keywords

  • 3D printing
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Architected material
  • Asker hardness
  • Elastomer
  • Foam
  • Insole
  • Lattice
  • Metamaterial
  • Reliability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics

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