Recent Advancements in Biomimetic 3D Printing Materials With Enhanced Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Nature has developed a wide range of functional microstructures with optimized mechanical properties over millions of years of evolution. By learning from nature’s excellent models and principles, biomimicry provides a practicable strategy for designing and fabricating the next smart materials with enhanced properties. Nevertheless, the complicated micro-structural constructions in nature models are beyond the ability of conventional processes, hindering the developments of biomimetic research and its forthputting in engineering systems. Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing processes have revolutionized manufacturing via their ability to manufacture complex micro/mesostructures, increase design freedom, provide mass customization, and waste minimization, as well as rapid prototyping. Here, a review of recent advances in biomimetic 3D printing materials with enhanced mechanical properties is provided. The design and fabrication were inspired by various natural structures, such as balsa wood, honeycomb, nacre, lobster claw, etc., which are presented and discussed. Finally, future challenges and perspectives are given.

Improved 3D-Printability of Cellulose Acetate to Mimic Water Absorption in Plant Roots through Nanoporous Networks

“…In this regard, biomimetic models are frequently utilized as experimental agents of natural designs in bioinspiration applications. This is done so that individual qualities can be studied and artificially manipulated under controlled conditions . Yet, it is hard to develop complex micro/nanostructured materials by using traditional fabrication techniques.…”

“…This is done so that individual qualities can be studied and artificially manipulated under controlled conditions. 17 Yet, it is hard to develop complex micro/nanostructured materials by using traditional fabrication techniques. Thus, in recent years, three-dimensional (3D) printing has rapidly emerged as a promising technology to fabricate complex structural geometries.…”

Use of Wood in Additive Manufacturing: Review and Future Prospects

“…Biomimicry from macroscopic to microscopic scale is leading the way in the development of high-performance materials and structures. In general, bioinspired structures are always complex, but thanks to the flexibility of 3D-printing technologies, structures with any geometry can be fabricated [ 78 , 79 ]. The main utility of cellular structures lies in their ability to meet performance targets while enabling significant mass reduction, a principle commonly embodied in nature.…”

“…Different wood tissues have different structures, adapted to tasks; thus, it makes sense to mimic the most significant wood cell structures. Balsa wood ( Ochroma pyramidale ) has remarkable mechanical properties for its weight; its specific Young’s modulus is even comparable to some engineering fiber composites, as well as its superior energy absorption [ 79 ]. Additive manufactured cellular structures, based on mimicking balsa structure, exhibit good mechanical properties, energy absorption, vibration damping and insulation applications [ 79 ], but the additive manufacturing of such structures remains limited by poor commercial materials and the lack of effective design tools [ 81 ].…”

Paleomimetics: A Conceptual Framework for a Biomimetic Design Inspired by Fossils and Evolutionary Processes

“…The fabrication factor concerns the manufacturing processes, i.e., the limits imposed by materials, fabrication practices, and technology. For example, the manufacturing process of aluminium restricts the shape of the final product compared to the introduction of 3D printing, which permits the realisation and proliferation of highly complex organic shapes (e.g., anisotropic porosity, honeycombed structures, hierarchical and layered morphologies), otherwise impossible to obtain using previous traditional methods [ 42 , 43 ]. The contextual factor is determined by societal and market influences that constrain product shape, working principles, fabrication, and “evolution” (e.g., interior or exterior design destination, industry and market requirements, society preferences and trends).…”