4D-Printed Liquid Crystal Elastomers: Printing Strategies, Actuation Mechanisms, and Emerging Applications
Mehrab Hasan, Yingtao Liu · MDPI AG · 2025
This review explores 4D-printed liquid crystal elastomers, highlighting their actuation mechanisms and potential applications in soft robotics and biomedical engineering.
Plain English summary
Why this matters
Key findings
- LCEs can undergo large, reversible deformations under external stimuli.
- 4D printing enables programmable shape transformations.
- Direct ink writing and vat photopolymerization are key fabrication methods.
- LCE actuators have diverse functionalities in soft robotics.
- Challenges include biocompatibility, durability, and scalability.
What's new
The paper highlights the advancements in 4D printing techniques for LCEs and their unique capabilities compared to traditional methods.
Limitations
The review acknowledges ongoing challenges in biocompatibility, long-term durability, and manufacturing scalability of LCEs.
Commercial context
The abstract does not provide information on commercial availability or readiness.
Publication
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Publication date
- November 13, 2025
- Research type
- Paper
- License
- https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tags
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