3D Printed Sunflower 'Blooms' in Sunlight
Researchers in Singapore, have developed a 3D printed sunflower that changes its shape in sunlight. According to the paper describing the work, it could impact development in various fields ranging from biomedical devices to soft robotics.
Researchers in Singapore, have developed a 3D printed sunflower that changes geometry in sunlight.
The flower was 3D printed using a material that combines a shape-memory polymer and carbon black, a material that absorbs light and converts it into heat.
After it has been folded back into a bud configuration, the sunflower regains its original shape in less than five minutes when it gets a healthy dose of ultraviolet rays.
Related articles
Researchers at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) say it represents opportunities in the 3D printing field, where devices responsive to various types of stimuli, including light and humidity, can be 3D printed.
"This work may also open possibilities in biomedical applications."
"This could mean smart solar cells that turn automatically towards the sun," said Professor Chen Xiaodong, director of the Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices at NTU, who led the research.As the paper states, “these 3D printed stimuli-responsive devices may shape the future trends and opportunities of device development in various fields ranging from biomedical devices to soft robots.”
A paper that demonstrates the 3D printing of light-responsive shape-memory devices, like the sunflower, was published in the peer-reviewed journal Advanced Materials.
Chen is already working to make other smart solar cells using a similar concept, by integrating shape- memory polymers with existing solar cells. So far, the big bottleneck is still materials as few can be 3D printed.
"Triggering by light will enable remote operation of parts of soft robots, such as delicate grippers and remote control of valves," he said. "This work may also open possibilities in biomedical applications."
Comments
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comment!