Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Emre Tekay
Summary: This study synthesized and characterized novel polymer composites that can be triggered by heat and electricity. The composites were made of a blend of a styrenic block copolymer and a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) added as fillers. The addition of MWCNTs improved the distribution of fillers within the matrix and reduced the crystallization temperature. The composites exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, decreased electrical resistance, and the ability to be heated by Joule heating.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuo Shi, Miao Cui, Fengxin Sun, Kunkun Zhu, Mohammad Irfan Iqbal, Xiaoyu Chen, Bin Fei, Robert K. Y. Li, Qingyou Xia, Jinlian Hu
Summary: The researchers developed a two-way shape-memory cellulose vascular stent that can adjust its shape through mild solutions, and extensively studied its shape-memory characteristics, mechanical properties, cell toxicity, and biocompatibility. Experimental results showed that this vascular stent has excellent biocompatibility and supporting performance, which may contribute significantly to biomaterials science and the application of vascular stents.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Junjiang Chen, Shiyang Sun, Mark M. Macios, Elizabeth Oguntade, Ameya R. Narkar, Patrick T. Mather, James H. Henderson
Summary: This study reports the design and characterization of a cytocompatible triple-shape memory polymer material that can undergo two distinct shape changes under cytocompatible conditions via thermal and light triggers. The material demonstrated a larger thermal shape change followed by a smaller photothermal shape change, with high cell viability, showing the potential for application in biomedical devices and strategies.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Yuan-Fang Zhang, Honggeng Li, Chengyun Long, Yi Xiong, Qi Ge
Summary: The activation method of thermoresponsive materials plays a crucial role in the practical use of smart structures. This study proposes embedding a wavy heater into a thermoresponsive material matrix to create a composite structure with parametrically designed thermal activation behavior. A numerical model is developed to predict heat transfer and experimental validation is conducted. The results show that the wavy design reduces heating time by up to 82% compared to a flat design. Additionally, the stiffness tuning of thermoresponsive composite structures is demonstrated. This work facilitates the application of large-scale thermoresponsive composite structures in aerospace and architecture.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yuan-Fang Zhang, Zhenghao Li, Hongke Li, Honggeng Li, Yi Xiong, Xiaoyang Zhu, Hongbo Lan, Qi Ge
Summary: This study introduces a novel 4D printing approach by fabricating stretchable heating circuits with fractal motifs, allowing seamless integration with SMP components. The method offers efficient and uniform heating performance by adjusting parameters, while maintaining stability of the circuits under stretching.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abdul Hamid Ganie, Mashael M. AlBaidani, Sohail Farooq, Sadique Rehman, Aamir Farooq, Faisal Z. Duraihem, Sayed M. EIdin, Ilyas Khan
Summary: Researchers have expressed a strong demand for more reliable and long-lasting power storage devices. They have explored three more effective methods for storing heat energy: latent heat storage, sensible heat storage, and chemical heat storage. In addition, the behavior of a two-dimensional Maxwell nanofluid on a stretchable surface has been investigated, and the influences of various factors, such as Maxwell fluid parameter and magnetic field parameter, have been examined. It has been found that the velocity of the nanofluid increases with the enhancement of the Maxwell fluid parameter, while it decreases with the decrease in the magnetic field parameter. Moreover, the increase in Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameters leads to an increase in fluid temperature.
RESULTS IN PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Brenda G. Molina, Guillermo Ocon, Fiorella M. Silva, Jose I. Iribarren, Elaine Armelin, Carlos Aleman
Summary: This study presents an investigation on the shape memory effect of extruded polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) blends. The blends were transformed into films and movable components of articulated specimens using hot pressing and 3D printing. The chemical structure, wettability, thermal properties, and mechanical response of the blends were evaluated and compared with neat PLA and PCL.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Josefine Meurer, Julian Hniopek, Thomas Baetz, Stefan Zechel, Marcel Enke, Juergen Vitz, Michael Schmitt, Juergen Popp, Martin D. Hager, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: A new shape-memory polymer is presented, utilizing two different metal complexes to achieve high strain fixity rates and strain recovery rates, with the mechanism revealed through various techniques such as Raman spectroscopy.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Reinhold Pommer, Robert Saf, Ralf Supplit, Armin Holzner, Harald Plank, Gregor Trimmel
Summary: This study reports a versatile and cost-effective manufacturing method for shape-memory polymers (SMPs) based on binary elastomer-thermoplastic blends. The SMPs showed efficient thermo-responsive dual-shape-memory and promising multi-shape-memory features, making them suitable for applications such as soft robotics or biomedical devices.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qingchuan Song, Yunong Chen, Viacheslav Slesarenko, Pang Zhu, Ahmed Hamza, Peilong Hou, Dorothea Helmer, Frederik Kotz-Helmer, Bastian E. E. Rapp
Summary: This research presents the first demonstration of digital light processing-printed shape-memory elastomers based on polyethylene glycol, which exhibit elasticity and stretchability in a wide temperature range below and above the transition temperature. The significant difference in Young's modulus at different temperatures allows for programming of the pneumatic actuators by heating and softening specific areas.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. Cortes, Jose L. Aguilar, A. Cosola, Xoan Xose Fernandez Sanchez-Romate, A. Jimenez-Suarez, M. Sangermano, M. Campo, Silvia G. Prolongo
Summary: The shape memory capabilities of nanocomposites based on two photocurable acrylated/methacrylated resins, doped with carbon nanotubes, and manufactured by digital light processing 3D printing were investigated. The study found that mechanical properties and glass transition temperature can be tailored by varying the weight ratio of the two resins in a broad range. Shape fixity and recovery ratios are strongly influenced by temperature and different structural parameters.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yingying Zhang, Guanglin Fan, Jinqiang Jiang, Zhaotie Liu, Zhongwen Liu, Guo Li
Summary: This study reports the development and regulation of gradient structures of hydrogels for programmable thermally responsive actuating behaviors. The shapes and actuation amplitudes of the hydrogel actuators can be independently regulated by controlling the formation and photodissociation of Fe3+-carboxylate coordination in the formed gradient networks. Some interesting applications have been realized, demonstrating the potential for extending this method to other hydrogel actuators with different compositions and stimuli-responsive behaviors.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sadique Rehman, Aisha Anjum, M. Farooq, Hashim, M. Y. Malik
Summary: The current study focuses on the characteristics of melting heat phenomenon in the Powell-Eyring fluid flow deformed by a linearly stretchable sheet near the stagnation point. Various factors such as thermal stratification, thermal radiation, dissipation, and heating are considered to reveal the heat transport properties. The study also investigates mass diffusion and chemical reactions. The results show the effects of these factors on temperature, velocity, and concentration fields, as well as friction, entropy generation, and rates of mass and heat transfer.
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS IN HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Wenqiang Yan, Yun Ding, Run Zhang, Xinjie Luo, Pinghou Sheng, Ping Xue, Jimin He
Summary: Tunable thermo-responsive shape memory and self-healing bifunctional blends are fabricated by melt blending of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid sodium salt) (EMNa) and poly(ethylene-comethyl acrylate) (EMA) copolymers. The blends exhibit rapid shape recovery, repeatable self-healing capability, and superior mechanical strength, making them promising in various cutting-edge applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenzhen Wei, Luyang Yu, Shuqing Lu, Yan Zhao
Summary: This article summarizes the application of reversibly thermo-responsive materials in lithium batteries, which can autonomously detect and respond to thermal faults in the battery, improving its thermal safety and durability. Firstly, the authors review four types of different thermoresponsive materials, including sol-gel transition polymers, phase change materials, temperature-stimulus shape memory materials, and positive temperature coefficient thermosensitive materials. Secondly, they summarize how these materials couple with lithium battery components and are applied in external management of batteries to enhance safety and electrochemical performance. Finally, they propose ideas for new applications and future development of thermo-responsive materials in the field of lithium batteries.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongke Li, Zhenghao Li, Na Li, Xiaoyang Zhu, Yuan-Fang Zhang, Luanfa Sun, Rui Wang, Jinbao Zhang, Zhongming Yang, Hao Yi, Xiaofeng Xu, Hongbo Lan
Summary: This study proposes a technique using liquid sacrificial substrate electric-field-driven microscale 3D printing for the fabrication of high performance transparent glass heaters (TGHs). The manufactured TGHs exhibit desirable optoelectronic performance and deicing capability, making them suitable for photothermal and electrothermal systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhenghao Li, Hongke Li, Xiaoyang Zhu, Zilong Peng, Guangming Zhang, Jianjun Yang, Fei Wang, Yuan-Fang Zhang, Luanfa Sun, Rui Wang, Jinbao Zhang, Zhongming Yang, Hao Yi, Hongbo Lan
Summary: A facile and efficient method is proposed for the fabrication of flexible transparent electrodes (FTEs) with embedded metal meshes via liquid substrate electric-field-driven microscale 3D printing process. The FTEs produced using this method exhibit high-resolution, high-aspect ratio embedded metal meshes without sacrificing transparency. The final manufactured FTEs show excellent optoelectronic performance and mechanical stability.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shujing Ni, Qi Ge, Haitao Yu, Li Zhang, Wenjin Wu, Chunmei Song, Kun Huang
Summary: In this study, EDTA modified hollow microporous organic nanospheres were prepared and exhibited excellent adsorption capacity and high stability for heavy-metal ions.
Article
Oncology
Ting Lan, Qi Ge, Ke Zheng, Li Huang, Yuxiang Yan, Lixin Zheng, Youguang Lu, Dali Zheng
Summary: Previous studies have shown that FAT1 plays a role in tumor suppression or tumorigenesis depending on the context in various cancers. However, its functions in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of FAT1 in OSCC. The results showed that FAT1 was significantly upregulated in OSCC and correlated with a poor prognosis. Functional experiments revealed that FAT1 promoted cell proliferation and migration while inhibiting apoptosis in OSCC cells. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that FAT1 may affect the cell cycle and DNA repair process in OSCC.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rui Wang, Luanfa Sun, Xiaoyang Zhu, Wensong Ge, Hongke Li, Zhenghao Li, Houchao Zhang, Youqi Huang, Zengcheng Li, Yuan-Fang Zhang, Jiawei Zhao, Quan Xu, Hongbo Lan
Summary: This paper systematically summarizes the advances in flexible resistance-type strain sensors based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), including the strain sensing mechanisms, sensor performance parameters, fabrication methods, and applications. The future challenges and outlook of CNT flexible strain sensors are also discussed.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiangnan He, Jianxiang Cheng, Zhenqing Li, Haitao Ye, Xinfeng Wei, Honggeng Li, Rong Wang, Yuan-Fang Zhang, Hui Ying Yang, Chuanfei Guo, Qi Ge
Summary: Ionic conductive elastomers (ICEs) are emerging stretchable and ionic conductive materials with excellent thermal stability. We report a DLP-based multimaterial 3D printing technology that seamlessly integrates UV-ICE with nonconductive materials to create 3D forms of ionic flexible electronic devices with enhanced performance.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Congjian Lin, Yuan-Fang Zhang, Dingjie Lu, Arlindo Silva, Zhuangjian Liu, Hui Ying Yang
Summary: Recently, stretchable micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) with 3D-printed octet-truss electrode (OTE) design have been developed using a rapid digital light processing (DLP) process. These MSCs demonstrate high capacitance and good performance even under mechanical deformation and low temperatures. The OTE structure provides a larger contact area per unit volume at the electrode-electrolyte interface compared to traditional interdigital electrodes (IDEs), as confirmed by finite element analysis (FEA). This work combines structural design and 3D printing techniques to advance the development of highly stretchable MSCs for next-generation electronic devices.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Rong Wang, Haitao Ye, Jianxiang Cheng, Honggeng Li, Pengfei Zhu, Bo Li, Rong Fan, Juzheng Chen, Yang Lu, Qi Ge
Summary: Ultrastrong and damage-tolerant ceramic architectures designed based on Schwarz Primitive structures and manufactured by DLP-based 3D printing are reported. The step effect of 3D printing plays a role in crack initiation and propagation, enhancing the structural strength and damage tolerance. After optimization, the printed ceramic architecture achieves high compressive strength and excellent damage tolerance.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Yuan-Fang Zhang, Honggeng Li, Chengyun Long, Yi Xiong, Qi Ge
Summary: The activation method of thermoresponsive materials plays a crucial role in the practical use of smart structures. This study proposes embedding a wavy heater into a thermoresponsive material matrix to create a composite structure with parametrically designed thermal activation behavior. A numerical model is developed to predict heat transfer and experimental validation is conducted. The results show that the wavy design reduces heating time by up to 82% compared to a flat design. Additionally, the stiffness tuning of thermoresponsive composite structures is demonstrated. This work facilitates the application of large-scale thermoresponsive composite structures in aerospace and architecture.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ximeng Qi, Junyi Zhou, Xiaoyang Zhu, Hongke Li, Guangming Zhang, Luanfa Sun, Rui Wang, Youqi Huang, Wenchao Yang, Yuan-Fang Zhang, Zhenghao Li, Houchao Zhang, Jiawei Zhao, Quan Xu, Hongbo Lan
Summary: We developed a novel solution for fabricating ultrahigh aspect ratio embedded metal meshes (EMMs) by microscale hybrid printing nano silver paste. With an improved printing nozzle and imprinting process, we achieved an EMM with the highest AR ever reported (20.1). The resulting flexible transparent electrode displayed remarkable photoelectric performance and excellent optoelectronic properties after rigorous mechanical and environmental stability tests.
MATERIALS TODAY PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wanglin Qiu, Xiangnan He, Zeming Fang, Yaohui Wang, Ke Dong, Guoquan Zhang, Xuguang Xu, Qi Ge, Yi Xiong
Summary: This study proposes a method to lock the actuated state of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) through rapid cooling, achieving the goal of maintaining their reversible performance at room temperature. Tunable shapes can be achieved by modulating the cooling rate.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hanbin Zhong, Xiaodong Yu, Zhenyu Wei, Juntao Zhang, Liqin Ding, Ben Niu, Ruiyuan Tang, Qingang Xiong, Yuanfang Zhang, Xian Kong
Summary: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become a vital tool for advancing biomass fast pyrolysis in bubbling fluidized-bed reactors. However, the computational burden of CFD simulations makes it time-consuming to optimize working parameters or simulate large-scale units. To overcome this, two new deep learning (DL) models, incorporating an attention mechanism or a convolutional neural network (CNN) layer, were developed to predict mass flow rates in biomass fast pyrolysis.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hanzheng Xing, Xiangnan He, Yujia Wang, Xuan Zhang, Lei Li, Yecheng Wang, Zekun Cheng, Hui Wu, Qi Ge, Xiaoyan Li
Summary: The study successfully synthesized 3D-printable hydrogel composites reinforced by aramid nanofibers. Compared with pure hydrogels, the composites showed higher strength, modulus, and fatigue threshold while maintaining a large elongation-at-break. These improvements were attributed to the hybrid polymer networks in the composites and the effects of chain entanglement, hydrogen bonding, and phase separation.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ela Sachyani Keneth, Rama Lieberman, Avishag Pahima, V. B. Varma, Vinay Sharma, Chao Yuan, Qi Ge, R. V. Ramanujan, Shlomo Magdassi
Summary: Soft robots with flexible magnetic actuators are capable of delicate and sensitive movements. This study introduces a new method of fabricating 2D and 3D magneto-thermal actuators using a printing process. These actuators can be remotely and wirelessly activated by an alternating magnetic field, and demonstrate excellent performance in shape morphing. The findings suggest the potential of these magneto-thermal actuators in soft robotics, addressing the need for wireless and remote activation.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2023)