Princeton engineers have developed a novel 3D printing technique that enables the creation of soft plastics with customizable properties—stretchiness, flexibility, and recyclability—using inexpensive thermoplastic elastomers. Led by Emily Davidson, the research team reported their findings in “Advanced Functional Materials,” demonstrating how they can program the physical properties of 3D-printed structures, allowing them to be soft in one direction while rigid in another. By controlling the orientation of nanostructures within the material, the team achieved varying stiffness and elasticity in different regions of an object.
Key to this innovation is the use of a block copolymer that forms stiff cylindrical structures within a stretchy matrix. The process includes thermal annealing, which enhances the material’s properties and allows for self-healing capabilities. This approach is significantly more cost-effective—around one cent per gram—compared to similar methods requiring more expensive materials and complex processes.
The research opens avenues for applications in soft robotics, medical devices, and custom footgear, showcasing a scalable, efficient method for producing tailored mechanical properties. Moving forward, the team plans to explore 3D printable designs relevant to wearable electronics and biomedical devices.
