1
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Park H, Park JJ, Bui PD, Yoon H, Grigoropoulos CP, Lee D, Ko SH. Laser-Based Selective Material Processing for Next-Generation Additive Manufacturing. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307586. [PMID: 37740699 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
The connection between laser-based material processing and additive manufacturing is quite deeply rooted. In fact, the spark that started the field of additive manufacturing is the idea that two intersecting laser beams can selectively solidify a vat of resin. Ever since, laser has been accompanying the field of additive manufacturing, with its repertoire expanded from processing only photopolymer resin to virtually any material, allowing liberating customizability. As a result, additive manufacturing is expected to take an even more prominent role in the global supply chain in years to come. Herein, an overview of laser-based selective material processing is presented from various aspects: the physics of laser-material interactions, the materials currently used in additive manufacturing processes, the system configurations that enable laser-based additive manufacturing, and various functional applications of next-generation additive manufacturing. Additionally, current challenges and prospects of laser-based additive manufacturing are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijae Park
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Jung Jae Park
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Phuong-Danh Bui
- Laser and Thermal Engineering Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnamdaero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam, 13120, South Korea
| | - Hyeokjun Yoon
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Costas P Grigoropoulos
- Laser Thermal Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Daeho Lee
- Laser and Thermal Engineering Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnamdaero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam, 13120, South Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Ko
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
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2
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Wan X, Xiao Z, Tian Y, Chen M, Liu F, Wang D, Liu Y, Bartolo PJDS, Yan C, Shi Y, Zhao RR, Qi HJ, Zhou K. Recent Advances in 4D Printing of Advanced Materials and Structures for Functional Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2312263. [PMID: 38439193 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
4D printing has attracted tremendous worldwide attention during the past decade. This technology enables the shape, property, or functionality of printed structures to change with time in response to diverse external stimuli, making the original static structures alive. The revolutionary 4D-printing technology offers remarkable benefits in controlling geometric and functional reconfiguration, thereby showcasing immense potential across diverse fields, including biomedical engineering, electronics, robotics, and photonics. Here, a comprehensive review of the latest achievements in 4D printing using various types of materials and different additive manufacturing techniques is presented. The state-of-the-art strategies implemented in harnessing various 4D-printed structures are highlighted, which involve materials design, stimuli, functionalities, and applications. The machine learning approach explored for 4D printing is also discussed. Finally, the perspectives on the current challenges and future trends toward further development in 4D printing are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wan
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Zhongmin Xiao
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yujia Tian
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Mei Chen
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Paulo Jorge Da Silva Bartolo
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Chunze Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yusheng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Ruike Renee Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Hang Jerry Qi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Kun Zhou
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
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Zhang Z, Deng C, Fan X, Li M, Zhang M, Wang X, Chen F, Shi S, Zhou Y, Deng L, Gao H, Xiong W. 3D Directional Assembly of Liquid Crystal Molecules. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2401533. [PMID: 38794830 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The precise construction of hierarchically long-range ordered structures using molecules as fundamental building blocks can fully harness their anisotropy and potential. However, the 3D, high-precision, and single-step directional assembly of molecules is a long-pending challenge. Here, a 3D directional molecular assembly strategy via femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW) is proposed and the feasibility of this approach using liquid crystal (LC) molecules as an illustrative example is demonstrated. The physical mechanism for femtosecond (fs) laser-induced assembly of LC molecules is investigated, and precise 3D arbitrary assembly of LC molecules is achieved by defining the discretized laser scanning pathway. Additionally, an LC-based Fresnel zone plate array with polarization selection and colorization imaging functions is fabricated to further illustrate the potential of this method. This study not only introduces a 3D high-resolution alignment method for LC-based functional devices but also establishes a universal protocol for the precise 3D directional assembly of anisotropic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexu Zhang
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Chunsan Deng
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xuhao Fan
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Minjing Li
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Mingduo Zhang
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xinger Wang
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Fayu Chen
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Shaoxi Shi
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yining Zhou
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Leimin Deng
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Optics Valley Laboratory, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Optics Valley Laboratory, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Optics Valley Laboratory, Hubei, 430074, China
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4
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Kotikian A, Watkins AA, Bordiga G, Spielberg A, Davidson ZS, Bertoldi K, Lewis JA. Liquid Crystal Elastomer Lattices with Thermally Programmable Deformation via Multi-Material 3D Printing. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310743. [PMID: 38189562 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
An integrated design, modeling, and multi-material 3D printing platform for fabricating liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) lattices in both homogeneous and heterogeneous layouts with spatially programmable nematic director order and local composition is reported. Depending on their compositional topology, these lattices exhibit different reversible shape-morphing transformations upon cycling above and below their respective nematic-to-isotropic transition temperatures. Further, it is shown that there is good agreement between their experimentally observed deformation response and model predictions for all LCE lattice designs evaluated. Lastly, an inverse design model is established and the ability to print LCE lattices with the predicted deformation behavior is demonstrated. This work opens new avenues for creating architected LCE lattices that may find potential application in energy-dissipating structures, microfluidic pumping, mechanical logic, and soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arda Kotikian
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Audrey A Watkins
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Giovanni Bordiga
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Andrew Spielberg
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Zoey S Davidson
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Katia Bertoldi
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Jennifer A Lewis
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
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5
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Chen M, Hou Y, An R, Qi HJ, Zhou K. 4D Printing of Reprogrammable Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Synergistic Photochromism and Photoactuation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2303969. [PMID: 37432879 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
4D printing of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) via direct ink writing has opened up great opportunities to create stimuli-responsive actuations for applications such as soft robotics. However, most 4D-printed LCEs are limited to thermal actuation and fixed shape morphing, posing a challenge for achieving multiple programmable functionalities and reprogrammability. Here, a 4D-printable photochromic titanium-based nanocrystal (TiNC)/LCE composite ink is developed, which enables the reprogrammable photochromism and photoactuation of a single 4D-printed architecture. The printed TiNC/LCE composite exhibits reversible color-switching between white and black in response to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and oxygen exposure. Upon near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, the UV-irradiated region can undergo photothermal actuation, allowing for robust grasping and weightlifting. By precisely controlling the structural design and the light irradiation, the single 4D-printed TiNC/LCE object can be globally or locally programmed, erased, and reprogrammed to achieve desirable photocontrollable color patterns and 3D structure constructions, such as barcode patterns and origami- and kirigami-inspired structures. This work provides a novel concept for designing and engineering adaptive structures with unique and tunable multifunctionalities, which have potential applications in biomimetic soft robotics, smart construction engineering, camouflage, multilevel information storage, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Chen
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yanbei Hou
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Ran An
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - H Jerry Qi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Kun Zhou
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
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6
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Yarali E, Mirzaali MJ, Ghalayaniesfahani A, Accardo A, Diaz-Payno PJ, Zadpoor AA. 4D Printing for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2402301. [PMID: 38580291 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202402301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
4D (bio-)printing endows 3D printed (bio-)materials with multiple functionalities and dynamic properties. 4D printed materials have been recently used in biomedical engineering for the design and fabrication of biomedical devices, such as stents, occluders, microneedles, smart 3D-cell engineered microenvironments, drug delivery systems, wound closures, and implantable medical devices. However, the success of 4D printing relies on the rational design of 4D printed objects, the selection of smart materials, and the availability of appropriate types of external (multi-)stimuli. Here, this work first highlights the different types of smart materials, external stimuli, and design strategies used in 4D (bio-)printing. Then, it presents a critical review of the biomedical applications of 4D printing and discusses the future directions of biomedical research in this exciting area, including in vivo tissue regeneration studies, the implementation of multiple materials with reversible shape memory behaviors, the creation of fast shape-transformation responses, the ability to operate at the microscale, untethered activation and control, and the application of (machine learning-based) modeling approaches to predict the structure-property and design-shape transformation relationships of 4D (bio)printed constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Yarali
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
| | - Mohammad J Mirzaali
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
| | - Ava Ghalayaniesfahani
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, Giulio Natta, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Angelo Accardo
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
| | - Pedro J Diaz-Payno
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Amir A Zadpoor
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
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7
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Maurin V, Chang Y, Ze Q, Leanza S, Wang J, Zhao RR. Liquid Crystal Elastomer-Liquid Metal Composite: Ultrafast, Untethered, and Programmable Actuation by Induction Heating. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2302765. [PMID: 37656872 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a class of stimuli-responsive materials that have been intensively studied for applications including artificial muscles, shape morphing structures, and soft robotics due to their capability of large, programmable, and fully reversible actuation strains. To fully take advantage of LCEs, rapid, untethered, and programmable actuation methods are highly desirable. Here, a liquid crystal elastomer-liquid metal (LCE-LM) composite is reported, which enables ultrafast and programmable actuations by eddy current induction heating. The composite consists of LM sandwiched between two LCE layers printed via direct ink writing (DIW). When subjected to a high-frequency alternating magnetic field, the composite is actuated in milliseconds. By moving the magnetic field, the eddy current is spatially controlled for selective actuation. Additionally, sequential actuation is achievable by programming the LM thickness distribution in a sample. With these capabilities, the LCE-LM composite is further exploited for multimodal deformation of a pop-up structure, on-ground omnidirectional robotic motion, and in-water targeted object manipulation and crawling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Maurin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yilong Chang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Qiji Ze
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Sophie Leanza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ruike Renee Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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8
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Zhang X, Wei J, Qin L, Yu Y. Liquid crystal polymer actuators with complex and multiple actuations. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:6757-6773. [PMID: 38916076 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb01055h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Deformable liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), which exhibit both entropic elasticity of polymer networks and anisotropic properties originating from ordered mesogens, have gained more and more interest for use as biomedical soft actuators. Especially, LCP actuators with controllable mesogen alignment, sophisticated geometry and reprogrammability are a rising star on the horizon of soft actuators, since they enable complex and multiple actuations. This review focuses on two topics: (1) the regulation of mesogen alignment and geometry of LCP actuators for complex actuations; (2) newly designed reprogrammable LCP materials for multiple actuations. First, basic actuation mechanisms are briefly introduced. Then, LCP actuators with complex actuations are demonstrated. Special attention is devoted to the improvement of fabrication methods, which profoundly influence the available complexity of the mesogen alignment and geometry. Subsequently, reprogrammable LCP actuators featuring dynamic networks or shape memory effects are discussed, with an emphasis on their multiple actuations. Finally, perspectives on the current challenges and potential development trends toward more intelligent LCP actuators are discussed, which may shed light on future investigations in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Materials Science & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jia Wei
- Department of Materials Science & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Lang Qin
- Department of Materials Science & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Yanlei Yu
- Department of Materials Science & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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9
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Ferrer JMM, Cruz RES, Caplan S, Van Rees WM, Boley JW. Multiscale Heterogeneous Polymer Composites for High Stiffness 4D Printed Electrically Controllable Multifunctional Structures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2405505. [PMID: 38767502 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202405505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
4D printing is an emerging field where 3D printing techniques are used to pattern stimuli-responsive materials to create morphing structures, with time serving as the fourth dimension. However, current materials utilized for 4D printing are typically soft, exhibiting an elastic modulus (E) range of 10-4 to 10 MPa during shape change. This restricts the scalability, actuation stress, and load-bearing capabilities of the resulting structures. To overcome these limitations, multiscale heterogeneous polymer composites are introduced as a novel category of stiff, thermally responsive 4D printed materials. These inks exhibit an E that is four orders of magnitude greater than that of existing 4D printed materials and offer tunable electrical conductivities for simultaneous Joule heating actuation and self-sensing capabilities. Utilizing electrically controllable bilayers as building blocks, a flat geometry is designed and printed that morphs into a 3D self-standing lifting robot, setting new records for weight-normalized load lifted and actuation stress when compared to other 3D printed actuators. Furthermore, the ink palette is employed to create and print planar lattice structures that transform into various self-supporting complex 3D shapes. These contributions are integrated into a 4D printed electrically controlled multigait crawling robotic lattice structure that can carry 144 times its own weight.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sophie Caplan
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Wim M Van Rees
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - J William Boley
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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10
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Chen W, Tong D, Meng L, Tan B, Lan R, Zhang Q, Yang H, Wang C, Liu K. Knotted Artificial Muscles for Bio-Mimetic Actuation under Deepwater. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400763. [PMID: 38641927 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Muscles featuring high frequency and high stroke linear actuation are essential for animals to achieve superior maneuverability, agility, and environmental adaptability. Artificial muscles are yet to match their biological counterparts, due to inferior actuation speed, magnitude, mode, or adaptability. Inspired by the hierarchical structure of natural muscles, artificial muscles are created that are powerful, responsive, robust, and adaptable. The artificial muscles consist of knots braided from 3D printed liquid crystal elastomer fibers and thin heating threads. The unique hierarchical, braided knot structure offers amplified linear stroke, force rate, and damage-tolerance, as verified by both numerical simulations and experiments. In particular, the square knotted artificial muscle shows reliable cycles of actuation at 1Hz in 3000m depth underwater. Potential application is demonstrated by propelling a model boat. Looking ahead, the knotted artificial muscles can empower novel biomedical devices and soft robots to explore various environments, from inside human body to the mysterious deep sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Chen
- Department of Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Rd., Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Dezhong Tong
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90095, USA
| | - Linghan Meng
- Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 135 Chuangxin Rd., Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Bowen Tan
- Department of Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Rd., Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Ruochen Lan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Rd., Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Qifeng Zhang
- Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 135 Chuangxin Rd., Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Huai Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Rd., Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 135 Chuangxin Rd., Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Rd., Beijing, 100871, China
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11
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Sun X, Yue L, Yu L, Forte CT, Armstrong CD, Zhou K, Demoly F, Zhao RR, Qi HJ. Machine learning-enabled forward prediction and inverse design of 4D-printed active plates. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5509. [PMID: 38951533 PMCID: PMC11217466 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49775-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Shape transformations of active composites (ACs) depend on the spatial distribution of constituent materials. Voxel-level complex material distributions can be encoded by 3D printing, offering enormous freedom for possible shape-change 4D-printed ACs. However, efficiently designing the material distribution to achieve desired 3D shape changes is significantly challenging yet greatly needed. Here, we present an approach that combines machine learning (ML) with both gradient-descent (GD) and evolutionary algorithm (EA) to design AC plates with 3D shape changes. A residual network ML model is developed for the forward shape prediction. A global-subdomain design strategy with ML-GD and ML-EA is then used for the inverse material-distribution design. For a variety of numerically generated target shapes, both ML-GD and ML-EA demonstrate high efficiency. By further combining ML-EA with a normal distance-based loss function, optimized designs are achieved for multiple irregular target shapes. Our approach thus provides a highly efficient tool for the design of 4D-printed active composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohao Sun
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Liang Yue
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Luxia Yu
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Connor T Forte
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Connor D Armstrong
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kun Zhou
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Frédéric Demoly
- ICB UMR 6303 CNRS, Belfort-Montbeliard University of Technology, UTBM, Belfort, France
- Institut universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Ruike Renee Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - H Jerry Qi
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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12
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Tian X, Guo Y, Zhang J, Ivasishin OM, Jia J, Yan J. Fiber Actuators Based on Reversible Thermal Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306952. [PMID: 38175860 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Soft actuators inspired by the movement of organisms have attracted extensive attention in the fields of soft robotics, electronic skin, artificial intelligence, and healthcare due to their excellent adaptability and operational safety. Liquid crystal elastomer fiber actuators (LCEFAs) are considered as one of the most promising soft actuators since they can provide reversible linear motion and are easily integrated or woven into complex structures to perform pre-programmed movements such as stretching, rotating, bending, and expanding. The research on LCEFAs mainly focuses on controllable preparation, structural design, and functional applications. This review, for the first time, provides a comprehensive and systematic review of recent advances in this important field by focusing on reversible thermal response LCEFAs. First, the thermal driving mechanism, and direct and indirect heating strategies of LCEFAs are systematically summarized and analyzed. Then, the fabrication methods and functional applications of LCEFAs are summarized and discussed. Finally, the challenges and technical difficulties that may hinder the performance improvement and large-scale production of LCEFAs are proposed, and the development opportunities of LCEFAs are prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuwang Tian
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yongshi Guo
- College of Textile, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Orest M Ivasishin
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Jiru Jia
- School of Textile Garment and Design, Changshu Institute of Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215500, China
| | - Jianhua Yan
- College of Textile, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
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13
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Long G, Deng Y, Zhao W, Zhou G, Broer DJ, Feringa BL, Chen J. Photoresponsive Biomimetic Functions by Light-Driven Molecular Motors in Three Dimensionally Printed Liquid Crystal Elastomers. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:13894-13902. [PMID: 38728606 PMCID: PMC11117400 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite the fascinating developments in design and synthesis of artificial molecular machines operating at the nanoscales, translating molecular motion along multiple length scales and inducing mechanical motion of a three-dimensional macroscopic entity remains an important challenge. The key to addressing this amplification of motion relies on the effective organization of molecular machines in a well-defined environment. By taking advantage of long-range orientational order and hierarchical structures of liquid crystals and unidirectional rotation of light-driven molecular motors, we report here photoresponsive biomimetic functions of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) by the repetitive unidirectional rotation of molecular motors using 3D printing. Molecular motors were built in the main chain of liquid crystals oligomers to serve as photoactuators. The oligomers were then used as the ink, and liquid crystal elastomers with different morphologies were printed. The obtained LCEs are able to conduct multiple types of motions including bending, helical coiling, closing of petals, and flipping of wings of a butterfly upon UV illumination, which paves the way for future design of responsive materials with enhanced complex actuating functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiying Long
- SCNU-UG
International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays,
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Yanping Deng
- SCNU-UG
International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays,
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- SCNU-TUE
Joint lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology
& Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy
of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China
Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guofu Zhou
- SCNU-UG
International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays,
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- SCNU-TUE
Joint lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology
& Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy
of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China
Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dirk J. Broer
- SCNU-TUE
Joint lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology
& Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy
of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China
Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Stimuli-responsive
Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Ben L. Feringa
- SCNU-UG
International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays,
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Jiawen Chen
- SCNU-UG
International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays,
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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14
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Lyu P, Broer DJ, Liu D. Advancing interactive systems with liquid crystal network-based adaptive electronics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4191. [PMID: 38760356 PMCID: PMC11101476 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48353-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Achieving adaptive behavior in artificial systems, analogous to living organisms, has been a long-standing goal in electronics and materials science. Efforts to integrate adaptive capabilities into synthetic electronics traditionally involved a typical architecture comprising of sensors, an external controller, and actuators constructed from multiple materials. However, challenges arise when attempting to unite these three components into a single entity capable of independently coping with dynamic environments. Here, we unveil an adaptive electronic unit based on a liquid crystal polymer that seamlessly incorporates sensing, signal processing, and actuating functionalities. The polymer forms a film that undergoes anisotropic deformations when exposed to a minor heat pulse generated by human touch. We integrate this property into an electric circuit to facilitate switching. We showcase the concept by creating an interactive system that features distributed information processing including feedback loops and enabling cascading signal transmission across multiple adaptive units. This system responds progressively, in a multi-layered cascade to a dynamic change in its environment. The incorporation of adaptive capabilities into a single piece of responsive material holds immense potential for expediting progress in next-generation flexible electronics, soft robotics, and swarm intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengrong Lyu
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J Broer
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Danqing Liu
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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15
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Jin B, Chen G, Chen Y, Yang C, Zhu Z, Weng Y, Zhao Q, Xie T. Reprogramming Photoresponsive Liquid Crystalline Elastomer via Force-Directed Evaporation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:16844-16852. [PMID: 38517683 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c01076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Incorporating photothermal agents into thermoresponsive liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) offers remote and spatio-temporal control in actuation. Typically, both the light responsiveness and actuation behaviors are fixed since the agent doping and mesogen alignment are conducted before network formation. Here, we report an approach that enables programming photoresponsive LCEs after synthesis via force-directed evaporation. Different photothermal agents can be doped or removed by swelling the fully cross-linked LCEs in a specific solution, achieving the introduction and erasing of the photoresponsiveness. Moreover, the network swelling deletes the registered alignment, which allows for redefining the molecular order via re-evaporating the solvent with force imposed. This "one stone, two birds" strategy paves the way to simultaneously program/reprogram the actuation mode and responsiveness of LCEs, even in a spatio-selective manner to achieve complex actuations. Our approach is expandable to three-dimensional (3D) printed LCEs to access geometrically sophisticated shape-changing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Center for X-Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Guancong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yishu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Chen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Zhan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yunhao Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Tao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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16
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Rešetič A. Shape programming of liquid crystal elastomers. Commun Chem 2024; 7:56. [PMID: 38485773 PMCID: PMC10940691 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01141-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are shape-morphing materials that demonstrate reversible actuation when exposed to external stimuli, such as light or heat. The actuation's complexity depends heavily on the instilled liquid crystal alignment, programmed into the material using various shape-programming processes. As an unavoidable part of LCE synthesis, these also introduce geometrical and output restrictions that dictate the final applicability. Considering LCE's future implementation in real-life applications, it is reasonable to explore these limiting factors. This review offers a brief overview of current shape-programming methods in relation to the challenges of employing LCEs as soft, shape-memory components in future devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andraž Rešetič
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Solid State Physics Department, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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17
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Feng X, Wang L, Xue Z, Xie C, Han J, Pei Y, Zhang Z, Guo W, Lu B. Melt electrowriting enabled 3D liquid crystal elastomer structures for cross-scale actuators and temperature field sensors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk3854. [PMID: 38446880 PMCID: PMC10917348 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk3854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have garnered attention for their remarkable reversible strains under various stimuli. Early studies on LCEs mainly focused on basic dimensional changes in macrostructures or quasi-three-dimensional (3D) microstructures. However, fabricating complex 3D microstructures and cross-scale LCE-based structures has remained challenging. In this study, we report a compatible method named melt electrowriting (MEW) to fabricate LCE-based microfiber actuators and various 3D actuators on the micrometer to centimeter scales. By controlling printing parameters, these actuators were fabricated with high resolutions (4.5 to 60 μm), actuation strains (10 to 55%), and a maximum work density of 160 J/kg. In addition, through the integration of a deep learning-based model, we demonstrated the application of LCE materials in temperature field sensing. Large-scale, real-time, LCE grid-based spatial temperature field sensors have been designed, exhibiting a low response time of less than 42 ms and a high precision of 94.79%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueming Feng
- The State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, China
| | - Li Wang
- The State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, China
- National Innovation Institute of Additive Manufacturing, No. 997, Shanglinyuan 8th Road, Gaoxin District, Xi’an 710300, China
| | - Zhengjie Xue
- The State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, China
| | - Chao Xie
- The State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, China
| | - Jie Han
- The State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, China
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Yuechen Pei
- The State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, China
| | - Zhaofa Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, China
| | - Wenhua Guo
- The State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, China
- National Innovation Institute of Additive Manufacturing, No. 997, Shanglinyuan 8th Road, Gaoxin District, Xi’an 710300, China
| | - Bingheng Lu
- The State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, China
- National Innovation Institute of Additive Manufacturing, No. 997, Shanglinyuan 8th Road, Gaoxin District, Xi’an 710300, China
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18
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Leanza S, Wu S, Sun X, Qi HJ, Zhao RR. Active Materials for Functional Origami. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2302066. [PMID: 37120795 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, origami has been explored to aid in the design of engineering structures. These structures span multiple scales and have been demonstrated to be used toward various areas such as aerospace, metamaterial, biomedical, robotics, and architectural applications. Conventionally, origami or deployable structures have been actuated by hands, motors, or pneumatic actuators, which can result in heavy or bulky structures. On the other hand, active materials, which reconfigure in response to external stimulus, eliminate the need for external mechanical loads and bulky actuation systems. Thus, in recent years, active materials incorporated with deployable structures have shown promise for remote actuation of light weight, programmable origami. In this review, active materials such as shape memory polymers (SMPs) and alloys (SMAs), hydrogels, liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), magnetic soft materials (MSMs), and covalent adaptable network (CAN) polymers, their actuation mechanisms, as well as how they have been utilized for active origami and where these structures are applicable is discussed. Additionally, the state-of-the-art fabrication methods to construct active origami are highlighted. The existing structural modeling strategies for origami, the constitutive models used to describe active materials, and the largest challenges and future directions for active origami research are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Leanza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Shuai Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Xiaohao Sun
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - H Jerry Qi
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Ruike Renee Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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19
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Morales Ferrer JM, Sánchez Cruz RE, Caplan S, van Rees WM, Boley JW. Multiscale Heterogeneous Polymer Composites for High Stiffness 4D Printed Electrically Controllable Multifunctional Structures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307858. [PMID: 38063841 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
4D printing is an emerging field where 3D printing techniques are used to pattern stimuli-responsive materials to create morphing structures, with time serving as the fourth dimension. However, current materials utilized for 4D printing are typically soft, exhibiting an elastic modulus (E) range of 10-4 to 10 MPa during shape change. This restricts the scalability, actuation stress, and load-bearing capabilities of the resulting structures. To overcome these limitations, multiscale heterogeneous polymer composites are introduced as a novel category of stiff, thermally responsive 4D printed materials. These inks exhibit an E that is four orders of magnitude greater than that of existing 4D printed materials and offer tunable electrical conductivities for simultaneous Joule heating actuation and self-sensing capabilities. Utilizing electrically controllable bilayers as building blocks, a flat geometry that morphs into a 3D self-standing lifting robot is designed and printed, setting new records for weight-normalized load lifted and actuation stress when compared to other 3D printed actuators. Furthermore, this ink palette is employed to create and print planar lattice structures that transform into various self-supporting complex 3D shapes. Finally these inks are integrated into a 4D printed electrically controlled multigait crawling robotic lattice structure that can carry 144 times its own weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier M Morales Ferrer
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Boston University, 110 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Ramón E Sánchez Cruz
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Boston University, 110 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Sophie Caplan
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Boston University, 110 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Wim M van Rees
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - J William Boley
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Boston University, 110 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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20
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Xue E, Liu L, Wu W, Wang B. Soft Fiber/Textile Actuators: From Design Strategies to Diverse Applications. ACS NANO 2024; 18:89-118. [PMID: 38146868 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Fiber/textile-based actuators have garnered considerable attention due to their distinctive attributes, encompassing higher degrees of freedom, intriguing deformations, and enhanced adaptability to complex structures. Recent studies highlight the development of advanced fibers and textiles, expanding the application scope of fiber/textile-based actuators across diverse emerging fields. Unlike sheet-like soft actuators, fibers/textiles with intricate structures exhibit versatile movements, such as contraction, coiling, bending, and folding, achieved through adjustable strain and stroke. In this review article, we provide a timely and comprehensive overview of fiber/textile actuators, including structures, fabrication methods, actuation principles, and applications. After discussing the hierarchical structure and deformation of the fiber/textile actuator, we discuss various spinning strategies, detailing the merits and drawbacks of each. Next, we present the actuation principles of fiber/fabric actuators, along with common external stimuli. In addition, we provide a summary of the emerging applications of fiber/textile actuators. Concluding with an assessment of existing challenges and future opportunities, this review aims to provide a valuable perspective on the enticing realm of fiber/textile-based actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enbo Xue
- School of Electronic Science & Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, P. R. China
| | - Limei Liu
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225127, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wu
- Laboratory of Printable Functional Materials and Printed Electronics, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Binghao Wang
- School of Electronic Science & Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, P. R. China
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21
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McDougall L, Herman J, Huntley E, Leguizamon S, Cook A, White T, Kaehr B, Roach DJ. Free-Form Liquid Crystal Elastomers via Embedded 4D Printing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:58897-58904. [PMID: 38084015 PMCID: PMC10739595 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a class of active materials that can generate rapid, reversible mechanical actuation in response to external stimuli. Fabrication methods for LCEs have remained a topic of intense research interest in recent years. One promising approach, termed 4D printing, combines the advantages of 3D printing with responsive materials, such as LCEs, to generate smart structures that not only possess user-defined static shapes but also can change their shape over time. To date, 4D-printed LCE structures have been limited to flat objects, restricting shape complexity and associated actuation for smart structure applications. In this work, we report the development of embedded 4D printing to extrude hydrophobic LCE ink into an aqueous, thixotropic gel matrix to produce free-standing, free-form 3D architectures without sacrificing the mechanical actuation properties. The ability to 4D print complex, free-standing 3D LCE architectures opens new avenues for the design and development of functional and responsive systems, such as reconfigurable metamaterials, soft robotics, or biomedical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke McDougall
- Advanced
Materials Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, United States
| | - Jeremy Herman
- Advanced
Materials Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Emily Huntley
- Advanced
Materials Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, United States
| | - Samuel Leguizamon
- Advanced
Materials Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, United States
| | - Adam Cook
- Advanced
Materials Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, United States
| | - Timothy White
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Bryan Kaehr
- Advanced
Materials Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, United States
| | - Devin J. Roach
- Advanced
Materials Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, United States
- School
of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
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22
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Sun Y, Wang L, Zhu Z, Li X, Sun H, Zhao Y, Peng C, Liu J, Zhang S, Li M. A 3D-Printed Ferromagnetic Liquid Crystal Elastomer with Programmed Dual-Anisotropy and Multi-Responsiveness. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2302824. [PMID: 37437184 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) and magnetic soft materials are promising active materials in many emerging fields, such as soft robotics. Despite the high demand for developing active materials that combine the advantages of LCE and magnetic actuation, the lack of independent programming of the LCE nematic order and magnetization in a single material still hinders the desired multi-responsiveness. In this study, a ferromagnetic LCE (magLCE) ink with nematic order and magnetization is developed that can be independently programmed to be anisotropic, referred to as "dual anisotropy", via a customized 3D-printing platform. The magLCE ink is fabricated by dispersing ferromagnetic microparticles in the LCE matrix, and a 3D-printing platform is created by integrating a magnet with 3-DoF motion into an extrusion-based 3D printer. In addition to magnetic fields, magLCEs can also be actuated by heating sources (either environmental heating or photo-heating of the embedded ferromagnetic microparticles) with a high energy density and tunable actuation temperature. A programmed magLCE strip robot is demonstrated with enhanced adaptability to complex environments (different terrains, magnetic fields, and temperatures) using a multi-actuation strategy. The magLCE also has potential applications in mechanical memory, as demonstrated by the multistable mechanical metastructure array with remote writability and stable memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Sun
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Liu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Science, 15 Beisihuan West Road, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Zhengqing Zhu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Xingxiang Li
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Chenhui Peng
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Ji Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics and Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human-Augmentation and Rehabilitation Robotics in Universities, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Mujun Li
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
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23
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Hao X, Zhou X, Peng H, Shen Z, Smalyukh II, Xie X, Yang B. Supramolecular Liquid Crystal Carbon Dots for Solvent-Free Direct Ink Writing. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2303680. [PMID: 37381765 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the major advances of nanolights with extensive exploration of nano-luminescent materials like carbon dots (CDs). However, solvent-free processing of these materials remains a formidable challenge, impeding endeavors to develop advanced manufacturing techniques. Herein, in response to this challenge, liquid crystallization is demonstrated as a versatile and robust approach by deliberately anchoring flexible alkyl chains on the CDs surface. Alkyl chain grafting on the CDs surface is observed to substantially depress the common aggregation-caused quenching effect, and results in a shift of self-assembly structure from the crystalline phase to smectic liquid crystalline phase. The liquid-crystalline phase-transition temperature is ready to adjust by varying the alkyl chain length, endowing low-temperature (<50 °C) melt-processing capabilities. Consequently, the first case of direct ink writing (DIW) with liquid crystal (LC) carbon dots is demonstrated, giving rise to highly emissive objects with blue, green and red fluorescence, respectively. Another unexpected finding is that DIW with the LC inks dramatically outperforms DIW with isotropic inks, further highlighting the significance of the LC processing. The approach reported herein not only exhibits a fundamental advance by imparting LC functions to CDs, but also promises technological utility in DIW-based advanced manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Wang
- Key Lab of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Lab of Materials Chemistry and Service Failure, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xingtian Hao
- Key Lab of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Lab of Materials Chemistry and Service Failure, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xingping Zhou
- Key Lab of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Lab of Materials Chemistry and Service Failure, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
- National Anti-Counterfeit Engineering Research Center, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Haiyan Peng
- Key Lab of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Lab of Materials Chemistry and Service Failure, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
- National Anti-Counterfeit Engineering Research Center, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zhihao Shen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Ivan I Smalyukh
- Department of Physics and Material Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Xiaolin Xie
- Key Lab of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Lab of Materials Chemistry and Service Failure, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, 430074, China
- National Anti-Counterfeit Engineering Research Center, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
- Optical Functional Theragnostic Joint Laboratory of Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
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24
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Wang Q, Tian X, Zhang D, Zhou Y, Yan W, Li D. Programmable spatial deformation by controllable off-center freestanding 4D printing of continuous fiber reinforced liquid crystal elastomer composites. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3869. [PMID: 37391425 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39566-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to their high deformation ability, 4D printed structures have various applications in origami structures, soft robotics and deployable mechanisms. As a material with programmable molecular chain orientation, liquid crystal elastomer is expected to produce the freestanding, bearable and deformable three-dimensional structure. However, majority of the existing 4D printing methods for liquid crystal elastomers can only fabricate planar structures, which limits their deformation designability and bearing capacity. Here we propose a direct ink writing based 4D printing method for freestanding continuous fiber reinforced composites. Continuous fibers can support freestanding structures during the printing process and improve the mechanical property and deformation ability of 4D printed structures. In this paper, the integration of 4D printed structures with fully impregnated composite interfaces, programmable deformation ability and high bearing capacity are realized by adjusting the off-center distribution of the fibers, and the printed liquid crystal composite can carry a load of up to 2805 times its own weight and achieve a bending deformation curvature of 0.33 mm-1 at 150 °C. This research is expected to open new avenues for creating soft robotics, mechanical metamaterials and artificial muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingrui Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyong Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Daokang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wanquan Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dichen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
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25
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Chen M, Gao M, Bai L, Zheng H, Qi HJ, Zhou K. Recent Advances in 4D Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomers. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2209566. [PMID: 36461147 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are renowned for their large, reversible, and anisotropic shape change in response to various external stimuli due to their lightly cross-linked polymer networks with an oriented mesogen direction, thus showing great potential for applications in robotics, bio-medics, electronics, optics, and energy. To fully take advantage of the anisotropic stimuli-responsive behaviors of LCEs, it is preferable to achieve a locally controlled mesogen alignment into monodomain orientations. In recent years, the application of 4D printing to LCEs opens new doors for simultaneously programming the mesogen alignment and the 3D geometry, offering more opportunities and higher feasibility for the fabrication of 4D-printed LCE objects with desirable stimuli-responsive properties. Here, the state-of-the-art advances in 4D printing of LCEs are reviewed, with emphasis on both the mechanisms and potential applications. First, the fundamental properties of LCEs and the working principles of the representative 4D printing techniques are briefly introduced. Then, the fabrication of LCEs by 4D printing techniques and the advantages over conventional manufacturing methods are demonstrated. Finally, perspectives on the current challenges and potential development trends toward the 4D printing of LCEs are discussed, which may shed light on future research directions in this new field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Chen
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Ming Gao
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Lichun Bai
- School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410075, China
| | - Han Zheng
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - H Jerry Qi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Kun Zhou
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
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26
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Li S, Song Z, Fan Y, Wei D, Liu Y. Four-Dimensional Printing of Temperature-Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Programmable Shape-Changing Behavior. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8020196. [PMID: 37218782 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are polymer networks that exhibit anisotropic liquid crystalline properties while maintaining the properties of elastomers, presenting reversible high-speed and large-scale actuation in response to external stimuli. Herein, we formulated a non-toxic, low-temperature liquid crystal (LC) ink for temperature-controlled direct ink writing 3D printing. The rheological properties of the LC ink were verified under different temperatures given the phase transition temperature of 63 °C measured by the DSC test. Afterwards, the effects of printing speed, printing temperature, and actuation temperature on the actuation strain of printed LCEs structures were investigated within adjustable ranges. In addition, it was demonstrated that the printing direction can modulate the LCEs to exhibit different actuation behaviors. Finally, by sequentially conforming structures and programming the printing parameters, it showed the deformation behavior of a variety of complex structures. By integrating with 4D printing and digital device architectures, this unique reversible deformation property will help LCEs presented here apply to mechanical actuators, smart surfaces, micro-robots, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Zhengyi Song
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Yuyan Fan
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Dongsong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
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27
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Wong JW, Yang X, Zhao Q, Xue Y, Lok TJ, Wang L, Fan X, Xiao X, Wong TW, Li T, Chen L, Ismail AF. Sustainable Approach for the Synthesis of a Semicrystalline Polymer with a Reversible Shape-Memory Effect. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:563-569. [PMID: 37052196 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) have demonstrated potential for use in automotive, biomedical, and aerospace industries. However, ensuring the sustainability of these materials remains a challenge. Herein, a sustainable approach to synthesize a semicrystalline polymer using biomass-derivable precursors via catalyst-free polyesterification is presented. The synthesized biodegradable polymer, poly(1,8-octanediol-co-1,12-dodecanedioate-co-citrate) (PODDC), exhibits excellent shape-memory properties, as evidenced by good shape fixity and shape recovery ratios of 98%, along with a large reversible actuation strain of 28%. Without the use of a catalyst, the mild polymerization enables the reconfiguration of the partially cured two-dimensional (2D) film to a three-dimensional (3D) geometric form in the middle process. This study appears to be a step forward in developing sustainable SMPs and a simple way for constructing a 3D structure of a permanent shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Wei Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuxu Yang
- Center for X-Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaoting Xue
- Center for X-Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tow-Jie Lok
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Li Wang
- School of Big Health and Intelligent Engineering, Chengdu Medical College, 610500, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiulin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuezhang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tuck-Whye Wong
- Center for X-Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre, School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Tiefeng Li
- Center for X-Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lixin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ahmad Fauzi Ismail
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre, School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
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28
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Tang M, Zhong Z, Ke C. Advanced supramolecular design for direct ink writing of soft materials. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:1614-1649. [PMID: 36779285 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs01011a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
The exciting advancements in 3D-printing of soft materials are changing the landscape of materials development and fabrication. Among various 3D-printers that are designed for soft materials fabrication, the direct ink writing (DIW) system is particularly attractive for chemists and materials scientists due to the mild fabrication conditions, compatibility with a wide range of organic and inorganic materials, and the ease of multi-materials 3D-printing. Inks for DIW need to possess suitable viscoelastic properties to allow for smooth extrusion and be self-supportive after printing, but molecularly facilitating 3D printability to functional materials remains nontrivial. While supramolecular binding motifs have been increasingly used for 3D-printing, these inks are largely optimized empirically for DIW. Hence, this review aims to establish a clear connection between the molecular understanding of the supramolecularly bound motifs and their viscoelastic properties at bulk. Herein, extrudable (but not self-supportive) and 3D-printable (self-supportive) polymeric materials that utilize noncovalent interactions, including hydrogen bonding, host-guest inclusion, metal-ligand coordination, micro-crystallization, and van der Waals interaction, have been discussed in detail. In particular, the rheological distinctions between extrudable and 3D-printable inks have been discussed from a supramolecular design perspective. Examples shown in this review also highlight the exciting macroscale functions amplified from the molecular design. Challenges associated with the hierarchical control and characterization of supramolecularly designed DIW inks are also outlined. The perspective of utilizing supramolecular binding motifs in soft materials DIW printing has been discussed. This review serves to connect researchers across disciplines to develop innovative solutions that connect top-down 3D-printing and bottom-up supramolecular design to accelerate the development of 3D-print soft materials for a sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, 41 College Street, Hanover, 03755 NH, USA.
| | - Zhuoran Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, 41 College Street, Hanover, 03755 NH, USA.
| | - Chenfeng Ke
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, 41 College Street, Hanover, 03755 NH, USA.
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29
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3D printing of thermosets with diverse rheological and functional applicabilities. Nat Commun 2023; 14:245. [PMID: 36646723 PMCID: PMC9842742 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35929-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermosets such as silicone are ubiquitous. However, existing manufacturing of thermosets involves either a prolonged manufacturing cycle (e.g., reaction injection molding), low geometric complexity (e.g., casting), or limited processable materials (e.g., frontal polymerization). Here, we report an in situ dual heating (ISDH) strategy for the rapid 3D printing of thermosets with complex structures and diverse rheological properties by incorporating direct ink writing (DIW) technique and a heating-accelerated in situ gelation mechanism. Enabled by an integrated Joule heater at the printhead, extruded thermosetting inks can quickly cure in situ, allowing for DIW of various thermosets with viscosities spanning five orders of magnitude, printed height over 100 mm, and high resolution of 50 μm. We further demonstrate DIW of a set of heterogenous thermosets using multiple functional materials and present a hybrid printing of a multilayer soft electronic circuit. Our ISDH strategy paves the way for fast manufacturing of thermosets for various emerging fields.
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