Multimaterial 4D printing with a tunable bending model

Abstract Shape-memory polymer (SMP)-based functional structures may now be produced more efficiently via four-dimensional (4D) printing, benefiting from the recent advances in multi-material three-dimensional printing technologies. Composite material design using 4D has opened new possibilities for customizing shape memory property of smart polymers. This work studies a strategy to harness desirable morphing by multimaterial composites with focus on detailed finite element (FE) procedure, experimental results, and soft robotic application. Composites bilayer laminates consisting SMP flexible elastomer are constructed variable thickness ratios control self-bending composite. FE simulations used understand underlying processes composite materials generate accurate predictions which reduces cost development time. The application programming is demonstrated gripper manipulating fragile objects.