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Article

Development of Dynamic Four-Dimensional Printing Technology for Patterned Structures by Applying Microcellular Foaming Process

1
School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemoon-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
2
Convergence Research Center for Solutions to Electromagnetic Interference in Future-Mobility, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Polymers 2024, 16(16), 2242; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162242
Submission received: 25 July 2024 / Revised: 1 August 2024 / Accepted: 3 August 2024 / Published: 7 August 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)

Abstract

Four-dimensional (4D) printing adds the dimension of time to 3D-printed specimens, causing movement when external stimuli are applied. This movement enables applications across various fields, including the soft robotics, aerospace, apparel, and automotive industries. Traditionally, 4D printing has utilized special materials such as shape-memory polymers (SMPs) or shape-memory alloys (SMAs) to achieve this movement. This study explores a novel approach to 4D printing by applying microcellular foaming processes (MCPs) to 3D printing. This study primarily aims to design and fabricate patterned specimens using common materials, such as PLA, through 3D printing and to analyze their dynamic behavior under various foaming conditions. To demonstrate the potential applications of this technology, the degree of bending was measured by controlling the patterning and foaming conditions. The 3D-printed specimens with microcellular foaming exhibited predictable deformations owing to the asymmetric expansion caused by differential gas saturation. The results confirm that 4D printing can be realized using conventional materials without the need for smart materials and can introduce foaming processes as a new external stimulus. This study highlights the potential of combining 3D printing with microcellular foaming for advanced 4D printing applications.
Keywords: microcellular foaming process; batch foaming process; polymer; 4D printing; patterning microcellular foaming process; batch foaming process; polymer; 4D printing; patterning

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MDPI and ACS Style

Kim, K.H.; Kim, J.H.; Hong, J.; Cha, S.W. Development of Dynamic Four-Dimensional Printing Technology for Patterned Structures by Applying Microcellular Foaming Process. Polymers 2024, 16, 2242. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162242

AMA Style

Kim KH, Kim JH, Hong J, Cha SW. Development of Dynamic Four-Dimensional Printing Technology for Patterned Structures by Applying Microcellular Foaming Process. Polymers. 2024; 16(16):2242. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162242

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kim, Kwan Hoon, Jae Hoo Kim, Jin Hong, and Sung Woon Cha. 2024. "Development of Dynamic Four-Dimensional Printing Technology for Patterned Structures by Applying Microcellular Foaming Process" Polymers 16, no. 16: 2242. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162242

APA Style

Kim, K. H., Kim, J. H., Hong, J., & Cha, S. W. (2024). Development of Dynamic Four-Dimensional Printing Technology for Patterned Structures by Applying Microcellular Foaming Process. Polymers, 16(16), 2242. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162242

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