4D printing adds latitude of time to 3D printing. 4D prints can also transfer designs into the material and automatically change the material to the required shape within the set time. LU Kun’s team of Hong Kong City University has used low-cost inkjet direct drawing technology to construct 3D elastic structures using dimethylpolysiloxane composite material mixed with zirconium dioxide nanoparticles. This structure is flexible and elastic and can be stretched up to 3 times the length. Using wires, it can be folded into butterflies, roses, skirts and more.The simple design drawing allowed to create a series of structures that were similar in shape and could be changed continuously.
Japan JST China news, August 22, 2018