4D Printing of Smart Materials: From Robotic Systems to Programmable Polymers

Webinar 10

SPEAKER I

Ali Zolfagharian (Deakin University, Australia)

Robotic Materials 4D Printing

 

Abstract: This presentation will explore the recent advancements in four-dimensional (4D) printing techniques applied to the field of soft robotics. By integrating smart, stimuli-responsive materials into 3D printing, 4D printing enables the creation of dynamic structures that can adapt, morph, or change over time. The talk will showcase how this emerging technology is transforming soft robotics by enabling more flexible, efficient, and functional robotic systems. Key applications, including biomedical devices, wearable sensors and actuators, and variable stiffness mechanisms, will be discussed, along with the potential for this technology to reshape relevant industries.

 

Related publications:

  • Zolfagharian, A., Kaynak, A., & Kouzani, A. (2020). Closed-loop 4D-printed soft robots. Materials & Design, 188, 108411https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127519308494
  • Mohammadi, M., Kouzani, A. Z., Bodaghi, M., Long, J., Khoo, S. Y., Xiang, Y., & Zolfagharian, A. (2024). Sustainable robotic joints 4D printing with variable stiffness using reinforcement learning. Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 85, 102636 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0736584523001114

SPEAKER II

Giulia Scalet (University of Pavia, Italy)

4D printed polymers with programmable shape memory effect: modeling, testing, and applications

 

Abstract: Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are among the most versatile and used smart materials in 4D printing and in many application fields, offering the unique ability to recover a pre-programmed shape from a temporary configuration in response to an external stimulus -a phenomenon known as shape-memory effect (SME). Despite significant advancements, achieving shape adaptability tailored to specific application constraints remains a major challenge.

In this webinar, I will give an overview of our recent contributions to address this issue in 4D printed thermo-responsive SMPs exhibiting different types of SME. Specifically, I will present both experimental and numerical results, starting from 3D finite-strain macroscopic phenomenological modelling up to our novel extrusion-based 4D printing strategy for fabricating programmable, shape-changing systems. Validation against experimental data and various case-studies in the field of soft actuation, biomedical, and pharmaceutical devices will be discussed. These results pave the way toward the next generation of smart systems.

 

Related publications:

  • Arricca, M., Inverardi, N., Pandini, S., Toselli, M., Messori, M., Scalet, G. (2025). Finite strain continuum phenomenological model describing the shape-memory effects in multi-phase semi-crystalline networks, Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 195, 105955.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmps.2024.105955
  • Bonetti, L., Natali, D., Pandini, S., Toselli, M., Messori, M., Scalet, G. (2024). 4D printing of semi-crystalline crosslinked polymer networks with two-way shape-memory effect, Materials & Design, 238, 112725.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2024.112725