Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Trenton Cersoli, Alexis Cresanto, Callan Herberger, Eric MacDonald, Pedro Cortes
Summary: This study investigates the 3D printing process of shape memory polymer-based polyurethane, demonstrating its capability to produce complex parts suitable for smart electronics and morphing structures. The assembled structures were found to recover their original conformation after thermal input, and QR codes were used as unclonable patterns for anti-counterfeiting purposes.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yixue Jiang, Qian Yi Leng, Yinjia Yan, Evelyn Ling Ling Ng, Heng Li Chee, Fuke Wang, Siew Yin Chan, Xian Jun Loh, John Wang, Benjamin Qi Yu Chan
Summary: In this study, a 3D printable resin was developed to create two-way shape memory smart materials with adjustable chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The potential applications of this material include soft robotics and medicine.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuliang Xia, Yang He, Fenghua Zhang, Yanju Liu, Jinsong Leng
Summary: SMPs and SMPCs, as stimuli-responsive polymers, have broad application prospects in multiple fields with features of large recoverable deformation, enhanced mechanical properties, and controllable remote actuation. These materials combine functional, reversible, multiple, and controllable shape recovery processes, applicable in aerospace engineering, biomedical devices, flexible electronics, and soft robotics among others.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Devin J. Roach, Xiaohao Sun, Xirui Peng, Frederic Demoly, Kun Zhou, Hang Jerry Qi
Summary: In this study, a LCE-SMP composite was created using 4D printing technology, which enables rapid and reversible shape changes and tunable shape morphing regulated by cooling rate. The composite has a high stiffness at low temperature to support heavy loads, offering a novel approach for future engineering applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guanlin Li, Zehao Li, Yajun Min, Shilu Chen, Ruijia Han, Zheng Zhao
Summary: Researchers have developed 3D-printed piezoelectric scaffolds using shape memory polymer (SMP) and piezoelectric nanoparticles for bone defect repair. By incorporating Ag-TMSPM-pBT (ATP) nanoparticles, they were able to improve the piezoelectric properties of the scaffolds. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the scaffolds promoted osteogenic differentiation of bone cells and facilitated bone defect repair.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Arnaud Kernin, Leonardo Ventura, Aaron Soul, Kan Chen, Kening Wan, Weibang Lu, Pietro Steiner, Coskun Kocabas, Dimitrios Papageorgiou, Stergios Goutianos, Han Zhang, Emiliano Bilotti
Summary: This study demonstrates a strategy to expand the complexity space of three-dimensional shapes and functions by incorporating nano-reinforcements for controlled sequential folding. By designing multilayer polymer films with different kirigami patterns, successful sequential folding was achieved, and a honeycomb structure with specific physical properties and integrated sensing-actuating functionalities was developed.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ela Sachyani Keneth, Alexander Kamyshny, Massimo Totaro, Lucia Beccai, Shlomo Magdassi
Summary: Soft robotics, created from highly compliant materials, is a burgeoning field with diverse applications. 3D printing offers a novel approach to forming complex objects in the realm of soft robotics, with a focus on material advancements and fabrication challenges.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nabasmita Maity, Nicola Mansour, Priyadarshi Chakraborty, Darya Bychenko, Ehud Gazit, Daniel Cohn
Summary: Two important trends in modern surgery are the engineering of custom-made medical devices and the minimally invasive implantation technique. A novel 3D printed, shape memory-displaying tracheal stent is introduced in this study, utilizing an in situ welding strategy for increased flexibility and reduced insertion profile. The stent is printed with porous materials and multiple inks to prevent mucus plugging, and antibacterial properties are added by incorporating ciprofloxacin into the ink to prevent implant-related infections.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Yousif Saad Alshebly, Marwan Nafea, Mohamed Sultan Mohamed Ali, Haider A. F. Almurib
Summary: Four-dimensional (4D) printing allows structures to respond to external stimuli and change characteristics, leading to revolutionary advancements in robotics, biomedicine, and industry. The development in this field provides researchers with foundations for designing materials and printing methods that suit their application needs. The focus of research lies in shape memory effects and shape programming of 4D printed designs.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gourvi Kumari, Kumar Abhishek, Sneha Singh, Afzal Hussain, Mohammad A. Altamimi, Harishkumar Madhyastha, Thomas J. Webster, Abhimanyu Dev
Summary: The transition from 3D to 4D printing has revolutionized various domains, adding a time-dependent response. This review discusses the significance, demands, smart materials/biomaterials, bioinks, and printers used in 4DP technology. It also explores the limitations and challenges in bioprinting processes and bioinks. The future potential of 4D printing is briefly discussed.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jifeng Zhang, Zhifu Yin, Luquan Ren, Qingping Liu, Lei Ren, Xue Yang, Xueli Zhou
Summary: This article reviews the research progress of 4D printing SMP, focusing on the excitation methods, response deformation modes, and applications. The authors also highlight the problems and future development directions in terms of printing process, SMP modification, structural design, and multifunctional coupling design.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xichen Yang, Wenhui Chen, Haiyang Liu, Baisong Yang, Yu Xie, Ye Wang, Yifeng Lei, Longjian Xue
Summary: This study demonstrates the programmable shape memory of 3D-printed poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), driven by both ultraviolet light and natural sunlight. The recovery ratio reaches 97.6% and can be regulated by various factors. The coating of a thin layer of gold enhances the shape recovery. This work opens up possibilities for the use of PEEK as a smart material in aerospace and intelligent industry.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dilip Chalissery, Dennis Schoenfeld, Mario Walter, Fabian Ziervogel, Thorsten Pretsch
Summary: This article introduces a new technological approach to manufacturing thermoresponsive objects using shape memory polymers. The authors utilize the phenomena of melting-induced contraction and crystallization-induced elongation of a poly(ester urethane) to achieve thermally actuating objects via fused filament fabrication. The article also demonstrates the application potential of this technology in the form of a self-sufficient gripper and showcases the translation of small-scale movements to a larger scale using a lever concept.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chunping Ma, Shuai Wu, Qiji Ze, Xiao Kuang, Rundong Zhang, H. Jerry Qi, Ruike Zhao
Summary: The combination of magnetic soft materials and magnetic shape memory polymers enables reprogrammable, untethered, fast, and reversible shape manipulation, and their enhanced multimodal shape transformation and tunable properties can be explored through multimaterial printing technology. By cooperative thermal and magnetic actuation, multiple deformation modes with distinct shape configurations can be achieved, opening up new possibilities for the fabrication of active metamaterials with tunable physical properties.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Yasir Khalid, Zia Ullah Arif, Waqas Ahmed
Summary: Shape-memory materials combined with 3D printing have led to the development of dynamic and adaptive products, known as 4D-printed products, which can change shape and properties over time. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries and significantly impact daily human life.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Aldo Ferrari, Costanza Giampietro, Bjorn Bachmann, Laura Bernardi, Deon Bezuidenhhout, Paolo Ermanni, Raoul Hopf, Sarah Kitz, Gerald Kress, Christian Loosli, Vita Marina, Mirko Meboldt, Giovanni Pellegrini, Dimos Poulikakos, Mathias Rebholz, Marianne Schmid Daners, Tanja Schmidt, Christoph Starck, Georgios Stefopoulos, Simon Suendermann, Bente Thamsen, Peter Zilla, Evgenij Potapov, Volkmar Falk, Edoardo Mazza
Summary: Heart failure is a leading cause of mortality, with heart transplantation and VAD offering the only lifelines for end stage disease. However, long-term implantation of current VAD devices presents major drawbacks, highlighting the need for further research and improvement in VAD technology.
ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Arthur Schlothauer, Urban Fasel, Dominic Keidel, Paolo Ermanni
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Arthur Schlothauer, Georgios A. Pappas, Paolo Ermanni
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Sampada Bodkhe, Lorenzo Vigo, Shengyun Zhu, Oleg Testoni, Nicole Aegerter, Paolo Ermanni
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Dominic Keidel, Urban Fasel, Paolo Ermanni
Summary: This work introduces a novel structural concept for morphing wings based on carbon-fiber reinforced polymer lattice structures, allowing tailored aeroelastic behavior and shape morphing for active flight control. The optimized lightweight lattice morphing wing achieved high load-carrying capabilities and sufficient rolling moment coefficient compared to existing morphing wings.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Urban Fasel, Paolo Tiso, Dominic Keidel, Paolo Ermanni
Summary: The study demonstrates that utilizing morphing wings can significantly increase the power production capability of airborne wind energy systems. The optimization framework allows concurrent aerostructural design and flight trajectory optimization, improving the energy efficiency. Therefore, adapting wing shape changes for different operating modes can further enhance power production.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
A. X. H. Yong, A. Aktas, D. May, A. Endruweit, S. V. Lomov, S. Advani, P. Hubert, S. G. Abaimov, D. Abliz, I. Akhatov, M. A. Ali, S. Allaoui, T. Allen, D. C. Berg, S. Bickerton, B. Caglar, P. Causse, A. Chiminelli, S. Comas-Cardona, M. Danzi, J. Dittmann, C. Dransfeld, P. Ermanni, E. Fauster, A. George, J. Gillibert, Q. Govignon, R. Graupner, V. Grishaev, A. Guilloux, M. A. Kabachi, A. Keller, K. Kind, D. Large, M. Laspalas, O. V. Lebedev, M. Lizaranzu, A. C. Long, C. Lopez, K. Masaniar, V. Michaud, P. Middendorf, P. Mitschang, S. van Oosterom, R. Schubnel, N. Sharp, P. Sousa, F. Trochu, R. Umer, J. Valette, J. H. Wang
Summary: This study conducted an international benchmark exercise on the measurement of fibre bed compaction behavior, revealing a large scatter in results among participants and the significant impact of wet conditions on the variation of results, with differences observed between two types of fabrics.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
M. A. Kabachi, L. Stettler, S. Arreguin, P. Ermanni
Summary: This study introduces a novel method for the simultaneous characterization of compaction and unsaturated out-of-plane permeability of engineering textiles in one single experiment. The measurement technique relies on visually tracking flow-front positions and compaction during through-thickness impregnation, providing permeability at different fiber-volume-fractions while also verifying any race-tracking that may occur during impregnation. The method is successfully validated through testing of glass fiber NCF and woven fabrics, comparing permeability and compaction results to analytical solutions and those obtained from a universal testing machine.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Oleg Testoni, Thomas Lumpe, Jian-Lin Huang, Marius Wagner, Sampada Bodkhe, Zhenishbek Zhakypov, Ralph Spolenak, Jamie Paik, Paolo Ermanni, Luis Munoz, Kristina Shea
Summary: This paper presents a proof-of-concept for a 4D printed active compliant hinge for the deployment and reorientation of satellite appendages. By utilizing thermally induced stiffness modulation and shape memory alloy actuators, the hinge can achieve multiple reorientations, leading to an increased energy generation of 54% to 72%.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Giada Risso, Maria Sakovsky, Paolo Ermanni
Summary: A novel manufacturing technique for moldlessly fabricating 3-dimensional FRP structures using pre-stretched membranes to drive out-of-plane buckling instabilities is presented in this work. An analytical model based on high deformation beam buckling theory is developed to understand the parameters influencing the out-of-plane behavior of these structures. Experimental and finite element results validate the model, showing excellent agreement and potential for tailoring out-of-plane deformation by varying geometric and material parameters.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
A. X. H. Yong, A. Aktas, D. May, A. Endruweit, S. Advani, P. Hubert, S. G. Abaimov, D. Abliz, I. Akhatov, M. A. Ali, T. Allen, D. C. Berg, S. Bickerton, C. Brauner, D. Brutsch, B. Caglar, H. Caglar, P. Causse, A. Chiminelli, A. Cohades, S. Comas-Cardona, M. Danzi, J. Dittmann, C. Dransfeld, P. Ermanni, E. Fauster, J. A. Garcia-Manrique, A. George, R. Graupner, V. Grishaev, A. Guilloux, M. Hancioglu, W. Harizi, T. Herman, W. Huang, M. A. Kabachi, A. Keller, K. Kind, M. Laspalas, O. V. Lebedev, M. Lizaranzu, A. C. Long, K. Masania, V. Michaud, P. Middendorf, D. Salvatori, R. Schubnel, N. Sharp, M. Sozer, J. Thomas, F. Trochu, R. Umer, J. Valette, J. H. Wang, B. Willenbacher
Summary: The study found that there was a significant variability in out-of-plane permeability between participants, but most values fell within a narrow range. The majority of participants used the 1D saturated test method, while a few used 1D unsaturated and 3D unsaturated flow methods with similar results. Analysis indicated that the number of layers in a specimen, fibre volume fraction, injection pressure, and sealing of specimen edges all affected the measured permeability.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Maximilian Volk, Joanna Wong, Shelly Arreguin, Paolo Ermanni
Summary: Pultrusion is a rapid and cost-effective manufacturing technology for continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite profiles. This study focuses on simulating the heat transfer and fluid flow physics of the pultrusion process and demonstrates that, with proper design, consistent, high quality profiles can be achieved.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Georgios A. Pappas, Arthur Schlothauer, Paolo Ermanni
Summary: This work analyzes the resistance of thin unidirectional fiber reinforced shells to compressive failure under high stress gradients, and proposes a robust modeling scheme. The study combines experimental campaigns with numerical micromechanical models to investigate the origins of compressive failure resistance and the importance of material non-linearity and micromechanical interactions.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Giada Risso, Paolo Ermanni
Summary: Shape adaptable structures are highly desired in various fields, and a new class of multi-stable composite structures has been investigated. By arranging polygonal frames, the structures can achieve multiple stable states and large shape transformations. This study proves the flexibility of the design and opens up new possibilities for the applications of multi-stable composite structures.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Aghna Mukherjee, Giada Risso, Paolo Ermanni
Summary: In recent years, there has been extensive research on using multi-stable components for designing adaptive structures and energy harvesting systems. However, there is limited work on quantifying the strength of stable equilibrium shapes. This study presents a mathematical framework that quantifies the strength of stability and identifies the minimum energy path between stable states. The method provides a quantitative measure of stability and simplifies the design of efficient actuation strategies.
THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mustafa Kalay, Abidin Esidir, Mahmut Ruzi, N. Burak Kiremitler, Mustafa Serdar Onses
Summary: This study proposes stable and addressable polymer PUFs, utilizing a cross-linkable polymer system, which demonstrates high stochastic characteristics and low-cost production. The performance of the polymer features is evaluated through various analyses, and direct image authentication is achieved using feature matching algorithms.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jingyu Jin, Guoqiang Lu, Jun Nie, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: Photopolymerization technology is limited in the fields of food packaging and biomedicine due to the high migration of small molecules from photoinitiators. In this study, a polymerizable 2-vinyl thioxanthone (ETX) was synthesized to improve the migration stability of photoinitiators. Macromolecular photoinitiators (PPI1, PPI2) were also prepared to further reduce migration. The results showed that the ETX/TEOA system had higher initiation performance and PPI2 displayed favorable initiation ability. Additionally, the migration of ETX, PPI1, and PPI2 in photocured film was significantly reduced. These low-migration photoinitiators have potential applications in the fields of food packaging and biological materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Weijie Li, Jun Nie, Yingying Zhao, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: This study focuses on the development of high-performance, low-migration photoinitiators. A polymerizable photoinitiator (VBP) was synthesized by introducing an ethylene group into benzophenone, and three different molecular weight single-component photoinitiators (PVBN1-3) were synthesized based on VBP. The results show that these new photoinitiators have stronger absorption ability compared to benzophenone and significantly reduce the migration of initiators and co-initiators, addressing the safety concerns caused by migration.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Seira Morimune-Moriya, Yuki Iwahashi, Mitsuru Nakamura, Daisuke Ogawa, Keiji Nakamura
Summary: This study investigates the effect of plasma treatment on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the structure/properties of polyimide (PI) nanocomposites with ultra-low content of CNTs. The results show that plasma treatment introduces isocyanate groups on the surface of CNTs and enhances the interfacial interaction between PI and treated CNTs. This leads to a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, with even a small addition of treated CNTs showing a substantial increase in Young's modulus, tensile strength and toughness.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanlong Li, Chaojie Chen, Guoqing Cui, Li Liu, Chao Zhou, Guangfeng Wu
Summary: In this study, a novel ion-conducting hydrogel was fabricated using a straightforward approach. The hydrogel showed excellent tensile properties and high toughness due to physical interactions and covalent binding. Additionally, the introduction of hydroxyethyl cellulose and lithium chloride improved the biocompatibility, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and frost resistance of the hydrogel, demonstrating its potential for cold climate applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Dengwei Yan, Jinxian Yang, Xuejun Pan, Xiaozheng Duan, Lianwei Li, Mo Zhu
Summary: The influence of backbone length on grafting efficiency during the graft-onto reaction process was investigated. It was found that the polydispersity effect of backbone length does not affect the final grafting efficiency, indicating that the local dynamics of chain segments dominate the graft-onto process.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyi Luo, Xianjie Pan, Fanqi Liu, Quanxi Yi, Yanning Zeng, Yunhua Chen, Chaoyang Wang
Summary: This study provides a method to prepare high-performance epoxy materials with good malleability and thermal stability. The materials have self-healing and welding capabilities, thanks to the addition of specific chemical bonds and network structures. They exhibit mechanical properties comparable to commercial epoxy resins and show great potential for sustainable industrial development.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Chaoji Xiong, Hao Wang, Lihua Deng, Kun Liang, Chunhua Wu, Wei Wu, Qian Chen
Summary: In this study, four polyamides were synthesized and their adsorption performances for Hg2+ in aqueous systems were investigated. The polyamides exhibited high adsorption capacities and excellent reusability, with the involvement of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen in the chemical adsorption process of Hg2+.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Siim Laanesoo, Olivier Bonjour, Rauno Sedrik, Iris Tamsalu, Patric Jannasch, Lauri Vares
Summary: The insertion of rigid aliphatic or aromatic building blocks in polymer structures is an effective way to synthesize high -Tg polymer materials. In this study, a series of isosorbide-2-aryl carboxylate-5-methacrylate monomers (ArIMAs) were synthesized by functionalizing isosorbide 5-methacrylate with various aromatic lignin-inspired esters. These monomers were polymerized to obtain high molecular-weight poly(aryl carboxylate isosorbide methacrylates) (PArIMAs). The resulting polymers showed high glass transition temperatures and thermal stability, making them suitable for use as high-performance plastics and coatings.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuqian Wu, Weijie Xu, Jianliang Li, Zhangfeng Zhong, Liqing Huang, Shengke Li, Huaping Tan
Summary: This study investigates the improvement of degradation and drug release characteristics of dynamic Schiff base-mediated natural polysaccharide hydrogels using tannic acid (TA), leading to enhanced stability and functionality.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zhang, Xiangli Kong, Xin Zhou, Yiyan Gao, Yibo Sun, Guanghui Gao, Wei Liu, Kai Shi
Summary: Conductive hydrogels have great development prospects in flexible strain sensors, but long-term direct contact with human skin can cause bacterial infection. A hydrogel with antibacterial, biocompatibility, and toughness was designed and manufactured using a freeze-thaw method. The hydrogel maintains tensile properties and fatigue resistance at low temperatures and is resistant to bacteria. Therefore, hydrogel sensors can be used to monitor human movements.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei Zhang, Jiangang Yu, Mingyang Wu, Rui Li, Anqiang Zhang, Yaling Lin
Summary: In this study, polyacrylamide containing quaternary ammonium salts (PAM-X) were synthesized and found to effectively inhibit soil-borne pathogenic fungi while maintaining the balance of microbial population in soil. PAM-X also showed low toxicity to earthworms and fish, providing a new method for the prevention and control of soil-borne fungal diseases.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiawen He, Haojie Yu, Li Wang, Jian Yang, Yanhui Zhang, Wenbing Huang, Chenguang Ouyang
Summary: This review discusses the use of polymeric hydrogels for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), including the mechanism of water sorption, fabrication methods, and strategies for optimizing the structure of hydrogels. The extended applications of hygroscopic photothermal hydrogels, such as agricultural irrigation and dehumidification, are also explored. The challenges and prospects of using polymeric hydrogels for AWH are summarized.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Ying Du, Shuaishuai Lu, Yuanna Sun, Qingshan Li, Xinhai He
Summary: This study introduces a method to improve the performance of hydrogels by incorporating proline, resulting in hydrogels with excellent stretchability, high conductivity, and long-term stability. The hydrogel remains flexible and conductive even at ultra-low temperatures.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
