Four-Dimensional Printing of Multi-Material Origami and Kirigami-Inspired Hydrogel Self-Folding Structures.

ABSTRACT: Four-dimensional printing refers to a process through which a 3D printed object transforms from one structure into another through the influence of an external energy input. Self-folding structures have been extensively studied to advance 3D printing technology into 4D using stimuli-responsive polymers. Designing and applying self-folding structures requires an understanding of the material properties so that the structural designs can be tailored to the targeted applications. Poly(N-iso-propylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) was used as the thermo-responsive material in this study to 3D print hydrogel samples that can bend or fold with temperature changes. A double-layer printed structure, with PNIPAM as the self-folding layer and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the supporting layer, provided the mechan

SUBMITTER: Appavoo D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11509088 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature