Recent Trends and Innovation in Additive Manufacturing of Soft Functional Materials.

Jaime Eduardo Regis,Samuel Ernesto Hall,Yirong Lin,Cory Marquez,Md Sahid Hassan,Anabel Renteria

doi:10.3390/ma14164521

Jaime Eduardo Regis, Samuel Ernesto Hall + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14164521

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Abstract

The growing demand for wearable devices, soft robotics, and tissue engineering in recent years has led to an increased effort in the field of soft materials. With the advent of personalized devices, the one-shape-fits-all manufacturing methods may soon no longer be the standard for the rapidly increasing market of soft devices. Recent findings have pushed technology and materials in the area of additive manufacturing (AM) as an alternative fabrication method for soft functional devices, taking geometrical designs and functionality to greater heights. For this reason, this review aims to highlights recent development and advances in AM processable soft materials with self-healing, shape memory, electronic, chromic or any combination of these functional properties. Furthermore, the influence of AM on the mechanical and physical properties on the functionality of these materials is expanded upon. Additionally, advances in soft devices in the fields of soft robotics, biomaterials, sensors, energy harvesters, and optoelectronics are discussed. Lastly, current challenges in AM for soft functional materials and future trends are discussed.

Highlights

Soft materials have developed as the key materials to address challenges in engineering fields where flexibility, large motions, and lightweight are desired
additive manufacturing (AM) technology has significantly contributed to the recent surge in the development of soft materials with functional properties such as the ability to self-heal, change color, program shape, serve as electronic devices, Researchers and scientists have carried out significant work in the field of photonics and optoelectronic applications; there are still plenty of opportunities for expanding the properties, applications, and interconnectivity of optoelectronic devices
AM technology has significantly contributed to the recent surge in the development of soft materials with functional properties such as the ability to self-heal, change color, program shape, serve as electronic devices, and multifunctionality

Summary

Introduction

Soft materials have developed as the key materials to address challenges in engineering fields where flexibility, large motions, and lightweight are desired. These types of materials can be deformed by thermal and mechanical stresses owing to their low Young’s modulus at room temperature (

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