Polymer Composites in 3D/4D Printing: Materials, Advances, and Prospects

Overview

Journal Molecules

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Biology

Date 2024 Jan 23

PMID 38257232

Authors

Ayyaz Mahmood

Fouzia Perveen

Shenggui Chen

Tayyaba Akram

Ahmad Irfan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as 3D printing, has revolutionized the manufacturing landscape by enabling the intricate layer-by-layer construction of three-dimensional objects. In contrast to traditional methods relying on molds and tools, AM provides the flexibility to fabricate diverse components directly from digital models without the need for physical alterations to machinery. Four-dimensional printing is a revolutionary extension of 3D printing that introduces the dimension of time, enabling dynamic transformations in printed structures over predetermined periods. This comprehensive review focuses on polymeric materials in 3D printing, exploring their versatile processing capabilities, environmental adaptability, and applications across thermoplastics, thermosetting materials, elastomers, polymer composites, shape memory polymers (SMPs), including liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), and self-healing polymers for 4D printing. This review also examines recent advancements in microvascular and encapsulation self-healing mechanisms, explores the potential of supramolecular polymers, and highlights the latest progress in hybrid printing using polymer-metal and polymer-ceramic composites. Finally, this paper offers insights into potential challenges faced in the additive manufacturing of polymer composites and suggests avenues for future research in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.

Citing Articles

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Machine Learning in 3D and 4D Printing of Polymer Composites: A Review.

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Enhancing the Mechanical Strength of a Photocurable 3D Printing Material Using Potassium Titanate Additives for Craniofacial Applications.

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Recent Developments and Applications of 3D-Printing Technology in Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery Systems: A New Research Direction and Future Trends.

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