Design, fabrication and application of self-spiraling pattern-driven 4D-printed actuator

Sci Rep. 2022 Nov 7;12(1):18874. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-23425-0.

Abstract

Self-spiraling actuators are widely found in nature and have high research and actuator-application value in self-lock and self-assembly. Four-dimensional (4D) printing is a new generation additive manufacturing of smart materials and has shown great potential for the fabrication of multi-functional and customized structures. The microarchitecture design of a bilayer actuator could bring flexible and diversified self-spiraling behaviors and more possibilities for practical application by combing 4D printing. This work investigates the stimuli effects of fiber patterns and fabrication parameters on self-spiraling behaviors of the bilayer actuator via both experimental and theoretical methods. This work may potentially provide pattern design guidance for 4D-printed self-spiraling actuators to meet different application requirements.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Printing, Three-Dimensional*