A comprehensive review on 4D printing and applications of thermo-induced shape memory polymers

Thermo-induced Shape Memory Polymers (TSMPs) and their corresponding 4D printing technology are at the forefront of current research. In this work, we review the progress from TSMPs to 4D printing and their corresponding applications. Firstly, taking thermally activated TSMPs as an example, the shap...

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Main Authors: Jian Li, Zhihong Liang, Tengjie Li, Qiang Wan, Xicheng Huang, Qianhua Kan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-02-01
Series:International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials
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Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/19475411.2025.2458833
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author Jian Li
Zhihong Liang
Tengjie Li
Qiang Wan
Xicheng Huang
Qianhua Kan
author_facet Jian Li
Zhihong Liang
Tengjie Li
Qiang Wan
Xicheng Huang
Qianhua Kan
author_sort Jian Li
collection DOAJ
description Thermo-induced Shape Memory Polymers (TSMPs) and their corresponding 4D printing technology are at the forefront of current research. In this work, we review the progress from TSMPs to 4D printing and their corresponding applications. Firstly, taking thermally activated TSMPs as an example, the shape memory behavior is explained, and various shape memory experiments and mechanisms, as well as constitutive models, are discussed. This comprehensive information is designed to provide a solid understanding of TSMPs. Moreover, the history of 4D printing and various technologies used in 4D printing are introduced, and potential printing methods are summarized. These insights can guide researchers in selecting appropriate techniques for practical applications. The applications of 4D printed TSMPs are then outlined, with a focus on metamaterials and various industry cases that provide a clear understanding of what 4D printing can achieve. This knowledge will open new doors for innovative applications. Finally, the current research status is summarized, and the existing research gaps and future development directions are pointed out. Through this review, we aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of the journey from TSMPs to 4D printing and their applications so as to support further research and the promotion of 4D printing of TSMPs in the field of smart materials.
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series International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials
spelling doaj-art-f27064e84aa24abfbe32bf8b108377b02025-02-01T04:08:41ZengTaylor & Francis GroupInternational Journal of Smart and Nano Materials1947-54111947-542X2025-02-0116010.1080/19475411.2025.2458833A comprehensive review on 4D printing and applications of thermo-induced shape memory polymersJian Li0Zhihong Liang1Tengjie Li2Qiang Wan3Xicheng Huang4Qianhua Kan5Institute of Systems Engineering, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, Sichuan, ChinaApplied Mechanics and Structure Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, ChinaInstitute of Systems Engineering, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, Sichuan, ChinaInstitute of Systems Engineering, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, Sichuan, ChinaInstitute of Systems Engineering, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, Sichuan, ChinaApplied Mechanics and Structure Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, ChinaThermo-induced Shape Memory Polymers (TSMPs) and their corresponding 4D printing technology are at the forefront of current research. In this work, we review the progress from TSMPs to 4D printing and their corresponding applications. Firstly, taking thermally activated TSMPs as an example, the shape memory behavior is explained, and various shape memory experiments and mechanisms, as well as constitutive models, are discussed. This comprehensive information is designed to provide a solid understanding of TSMPs. Moreover, the history of 4D printing and various technologies used in 4D printing are introduced, and potential printing methods are summarized. These insights can guide researchers in selecting appropriate techniques for practical applications. The applications of 4D printed TSMPs are then outlined, with a focus on metamaterials and various industry cases that provide a clear understanding of what 4D printing can achieve. This knowledge will open new doors for innovative applications. Finally, the current research status is summarized, and the existing research gaps and future development directions are pointed out. Through this review, we aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of the journey from TSMPs to 4D printing and their applications so as to support further research and the promotion of 4D printing of TSMPs in the field of smart materials.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/19475411.2025.2458833Thermo-induced shape memory polymershape memory mechanismconstitutive model4D printingapplication
spellingShingle Jian Li
Zhihong Liang
Tengjie Li
Qiang Wan
Xicheng Huang
Qianhua Kan
A comprehensive review on 4D printing and applications of thermo-induced shape memory polymers
International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials
Thermo-induced shape memory polymer
shape memory mechanism
constitutive model
4D printing
application
title A comprehensive review on 4D printing and applications of thermo-induced shape memory polymers
title_full A comprehensive review on 4D printing and applications of thermo-induced shape memory polymers
title_fullStr A comprehensive review on 4D printing and applications of thermo-induced shape memory polymers
title_full_unstemmed A comprehensive review on 4D printing and applications of thermo-induced shape memory polymers
title_short A comprehensive review on 4D printing and applications of thermo-induced shape memory polymers
title_sort comprehensive review on 4d printing and applications of thermo induced shape memory polymers
topic Thermo-induced shape memory polymer
shape memory mechanism
constitutive model
4D printing
application
url https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/19475411.2025.2458833
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