Shape Memory Polymer Composites: 4D Printing, Smart Structures, and Applications

Shiyu Yan; Fenghua Zhang; Lan Luo; Linlin Wang; Yanju Liu; Jinsong Leng

doi:10.34133/research.0234

Shape Memory Polymer Composites: 4D Printing, Smart Structures, and Applications

Research (Wash D C). 2023 Nov 7:6:0234. doi: 10.34133/research.0234. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Shiyu Yan¹, Fenghua Zhang¹, Lan Luo¹, Linlin Wang¹, Yanju Liu², Jinsong Leng¹

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), No.2 Yikuang Street, Harbin 150000, People's Republic of China.
² Department of Astronautic Science and Mechanics, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), No. 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin 150000, People's Republic of China.

Abstract

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) and their composites (SMPCs) are smart materials that can be stably deformed and then return to their original shape under external stimulation, thus having a memory of their shape. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an advanced technology for fabricating products using a digital software tool. Four-dimensional (4D) printing is a new generation of additive manufacturing technology that combines shape memory materials and 3D printing technology. Currently, 4D-printed SMPs and SMPCs are gaining considerable research attention and are finding use in various fields, including biomedical science. This review introduces SMPs, SMPCs, and 4D printing technologies, highlighting several special 4D-printed structures. It summarizes the recent research progress of 4D-printed SMPs and SMPCs in various fields, with particular emphasis on biomedical applications. Additionally, it presents an overview of the challenges and development prospects of 4D-printed SMPs and SMPCs and provides a preliminary discussion and useful reference for the research and application of 4D-printed SMPs and SMPCs.

Publication types

Review