- Scientists have successfully developed the world’s first 4D printing for ceramics.
- It can be used to create complex, shape-changing objects.
- 4D printing is conventional 3D printing combined with the additional element of time as the 4th dimension.
- The 4D printed objects can re-shape or self-assemble themselves over time with external stimuli, such as mechanical force, temperature, or a magnetic field.
- The existing 3D-printed ceramic productions are usually difficult to deform and hinder the production of ceramics with complex shapes.
- A novel ceramic ink was developed to stretch the ceramic products beyond its initial length and allow complex shapes with heat treatment.