Shape Changing Material
4D Printed Metamaterial Changes Shape When Heated Source: Rutgers University The 4th Dimension is Time - Breakthrough Materials Science This is fascinating innovation from materials scientists and engineers at Rutgers University. They have invented a new class of metamaterials not found in nature. The 4D materials are lightweight, flexible and can change their shapes in 4D in response to changes in temperature. Enabling New Generations of Aircraft and More The possible uses of these new materials are amazing. They could enable new generations of aircraft, soft robots and small medical devices. When heated the materials take on different shapes, change their stiffness, deform and then return to their original shape. Stiff As Wood and Soft as a Sponge The stiffness of the material can be changed more than 100 fold between a room temperature of 73 degrees and 194 degrees F. The metamaterials can be stiff as wood or soft as a sponge a...