Poly(methyl methacrylate) for active disassembly

Abstract

This paper focuses on the applications of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), one of the most commonly used engineering polymers, for active disassembly (AD). PMMA was first characterized by a series of thermo-mechanical tests to find the suitable programming temperatures and its shape memory characteristics. Four releasable fasteners were then developed, and tested, i.e. active screw, active joint, active snap-fit and active tab. It was successfully demonstrated that PMMA is a promising candidate for AD. Moreover, programmed AD has been achieved as well through a series of temperature-activated actions during the disassembly process. These techniques are applicable to other engineering polymers for AD and programmed AD.