A 4D printing strategy and integrated design for programmable electroactive shape-color double-responsive bionic functions. (26th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Daobing; Liu, Qingping; Geng, Peng; Tang, Sihan; Zhang, Junqiu; Wen, Shifeng; Zhou, Yan; Yan, Chunze; Han, Zhiwu; Shi, Yusheng
• Is Part Of: Composites science and technology. Volume 208(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-26
• Subjects: 4D printing strategy -- electroactive shape-changing -- electroactive color-changing -- electroactive shape-color dual-response -- Bionic; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Fibrous composites; Periodicals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.108746
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-3538

Abstract

Graphical abstract: A multi-material 4D printing programmable electroactive shape-color dual-response strategy were reported. The shape-color dual-response is controlled by the electricity, thus, making the shape-color dual-response devices more concise, efficient and programmable. A variety of bionic functions are realized, including biomimetic mimosa leaf closing in turn, biomimetic starfish area changing color, and biomimetic shape-color dual-changing wings. Image 1 Abstract: The extraordinary potential of 4D printing regarding shape-changing, property-changing and functionality-changing could be widely utilized in the biomedical, aerospace, and robotics fields. Shape-color double-responsive 4D printing further expands the connotation of 4D printing by integrating both shape-changing and visual-changing, thereby providing new ideas and methods for actualizing active functions. However, current shape-color double-responsive 4D printing utilizes an external heat source, which is a sizeable limitation for actualizing the programmable shape-color dual-response function. Here, to overcome this issue, an electroactive shape-changing material, and thermal shape-color dual-response material are prepared, integrated, and printed with a double-nozzle multi-material printer. After preparing the materials, programmable electrothermal effects in different regions are actualized by controlling their resistances. Furthermore, multi-material printing allows for electroactive shape-changing materials to be embedded into thermal shape-color dual-response materials, thus actualizing programmable electroactive shape-color double-responsive 4D printing. This ingenious design concept and high-performance materials involved are demonstrated by mimicking biological functions such as mimosa leaves closing in turn, colorful starfish, and shape-color dual-changing wings. This study paves the way for development of programmable multi-functionality actuators with simultaneous fast responses and easy-fabrication for utilization in promising applications on biomedical devices and bioinspired robotics.