Home Research & Education Researchers develop 3D printing process for shape-changing hybrid materials

Researchers develop 3D printing process for shape-changing hybrid materials

A team at the University of Queensland has developed an innovative 3D printing process that creates hybrid materials with musculoskeletal properties. Inspired by animal physiology, the method combines “soft” spherical liquid metal nanoparticles with “hard” rod-shaped gallium nanorods to create a flexible yet robust structure. This novel material offers potential applications in medical technology, particularly in the manufacture of components for rehabilitation and high-precision grippers for prostheses.

Dr. Ruirui Qiao from the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) explained that the aim was to mimic the mobility and control of mammals.

“We set out to mimic the locomotion, flexibility and control of mammalian movement,” Dr Ruirui Qiao said. “By combining ‘soft’ spherical liquid metal nanoparticles and ‘rigid’ rod-like gallium-based nanorods in the 3D printing process, we have been able to replicate the interconnected network of bone and muscle that gives animals an advantage in efficiency and strength. This tuneable gallium-polymer composite can be used for next generation medical rehabilitation products like high-precision grippers for prosthetic limbs.”

Traditional manufacturing methods reach their limits in the production of hybrid structures, as they are often costly and complex. The new approach enables an efficient and simple process that makes the material selectively customizable.

“But making hybrid structures is very challenging due to limitations in material selection as well as the complex, multi-step processes involved in traditional manufacturing methods,” she said. “We developed a new method to mimic animal physiology to benefit our own technology using a quick and simple manufacturing process.”

Dr Qiao said: “We would like to see research that advances 3D printing technologies and design strategies, focusing on increasing the proportion of metal-based nanoparticles within the 3D-printed composite. This will further enhance responsive properties and ultimately improve the performance of hybrid soft robots.”

The versatile application possibilities of these hybrid materials could have a lasting impact on both medical technology and the development of complex, adaptive robotic solutions.


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