Advances in 4D-Printed Shape Memory Polymers from Materials, Mechanisms and Fabrication Techniques to Applications: A Comprehensive Review.

Gang Wang, Mengyao Dong, Junfang Shen, Xiangning Zhang, Meiling Du, Donglong Li, Kun Li, Xiaoli Zhang, Jingbo Chen

Abstract readReview

In one paragraph

Review in Materials (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0cells of the map it votes in

0citing papers in PubMed

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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0 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Gang WangKey Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold Technology, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chongqing Industry Polytechnic University, Chongqing 401120, China.

Mengyao DongKey Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold Technology, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chongqing Industry Polytechnic University, Chongqing 401120, China.

Junfang ShenSchool of Intelligent Manufacturing, Luoyang Institute of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China.

Xiangning ZhangKey Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold Technology, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chongqing Industry Polytechnic University, Chongqing 401120, China.

Meiling DuKey Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold Technology, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chongqing Industry Polytechnic University, Chongqing 401120, China.

Donglong LiKey Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold Technology, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chongqing Industry Polytechnic University, Chongqing 401120, China.

Kun LiSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.

Xiaoli ZhangSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.ORCID 0000-0003-3301-644X

Jingbo ChenSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.

Funding

Doctoral Research Fund of Chongqing Industry Polytechnic University 2024GZYBSZK1-07, 2025GZYBSZK1-03Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing CSTB2025NSCQ-GPX0142, CSTB2025NSCQ-GPX0144Science and Technology Research Program of Chongqing Municipal Education Commission KJQN202403205, KJZD-M202503201，KJQN202503237, KJQN202603234, KJQN202603223Science and Technology Research Projects of Henan Province 252102230035

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) and their multifunctional composites have become important material systems for 4D printing because they can be processed into structures with programmed deformation and stimulus-responsive actuation. After being fixed in a temporary configuration, SMPs are able to recover their permanent shape when exposed to heat, electric or magnetic fields, and so on. This reversible shape change gives printed SMP structures functions beyond those of conventional static components, making them useful for biomedical devices, flexible electronics, and soft robotics. The performance of 4D-printed SMPs is determined not only by material chemistry but also by the design of the printed architecture and the manner in which external stimuli are applied. This review begins by covering the basic mechanisms that govern shape memory behavior in SMPs, including molecular switching, thermomechanical programming, and stimulus-controlled recovery. On this basis, representative printing methods for SMPs are compared, including stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling (FDM), direct-write printing, and polymer inkjet printing. Recent applications are then considered in areas where programmed shape change has practical value, such as biomedical devices, soft robotics, and flexible electronics. The discussion also identifies unresolved problems in printing resolution, response speed, cyclic stability, structural design, and multifunctional coupling, which remain central barriers to wider use of 4D-printed SMP systems.

Indexed as

4D printingactuationexcitation responseshape memory polymerssmart materials

Identifiers

PMID42795089

DOI10.3390/ma19183869

PMCPMC13608067

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata

Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.