Scientific Research Team Of Xi'An Jiaotong University: Research Achievements: 4D Printing Of Continuous Fiber Composites Has Made New Progress

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The scientific research team of Xi'an Jiaotong University has proposed a direct writing 4D printing method based on continuous fiber reinforced liquid crystal elastomer by using the reversible thermal stretch deformation capability of liquid crystal elastomer and combining the excellent mechanical properties of continuous fiber materials. The continuous fiber embedded in the liquid crystal elastomer composite plays a significant role in enhancing the mechanical properties and achieving the effect of bending deformation. Recently, the research results were published in Nature Communication.

4D printing structure can generate programmable shape and performance changes under external stimulation, so it has a broad application prospect in aerospace, software robot, biomedical and other fields. However, the current 4D printing structure usually cannot take into account the large deformation capacity and mechanical bearing capacity, and cannot achieve multi-functional integration.

The new printing method can control the position of the fiber in the composite material to achieve the controllable load bearing characteristics and deformation morphology of the printing structure. The printed liquid crystal composite can withstand a load up to 2805 times of its own weight and achieve 0.33 at 150 ℃ Mm-1. Using this process, composite truss structures with bearing capacity and deformation capacity can be prepared, which solves the problem of poor mechanical bearing performance of traditional 4D printing structures.