4D Printing of Self‐Immolative Polymers
Johannes Markhart, Philipp Mainik, Pia S. Klee, Eva Blasco · Wiley · 2025
This study introduces self-immolative polymers for 4D printing, enabling dynamic material transformations in response to stimuli.
Plain English summary
Why this matters
Key findings
- Integration of self-immolative polymers with light-based 3D printing.
- Polymers undergo complete depolymerization in response to external stimuli.
- Significant degrowth of objects with modulated mechanical stiffness and optical transparency.
- Subsequent repolymerization allows for regrowth of the objects.
- Establishes a platform for future development of dynamic, reconfigurable systems.
What's new
The introduction of self-immolative polymers for 4D printing that allows for dynamic degrowth and regrowth of structures.
Limitations
The abstract does not provide details on the practical applications or the specific external stimuli used beyond fluoride ions.
Commercial context
The technology is still in the conceptual stage and has not yet been demonstrated in practical applications.
Publication
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Publication date
- November 2, 2025
- Research type
- Paper
- License
- http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tags
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