Additive manufacturing of multidirectional preforms and composites: from three-dimensional to four-dimensional

Abstract

Multidirectional textile preforms, such as three-dimensional (3D) angle-interlock woven fabric, orthogonal woven fabric and braided fabric, have been often used for developing lightweight and high-strength composites. Although multidirectional preforms for composites have been fabricated using traditional textile-forming techniques, some basic technological barriers still exist. Recent advancements in additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) have opened up new opportunities for manufacturing of multidirectional preforms and their composites. Furthermore, the functionalization of 3D preforms can greatly facilitate their application in the field of smart devices. The key step of the functionalization is to add the ‘time’ dimension to the 3D printed objects, with the resulting process known as four-dimensional (4D) printing. In this review article, we first briefly summarize the recent research work in the characterization of fabrication-induced defects when using a layer-by-layer deposition process and discuss the effect of processing parameters. Then, the various approaches in 4D printing for achieving shape morphing overtime are reviewed. Finally, some strategies for developing 4D printed multidirectional shape memory polymer-based preforms with high shape memory performance are summarized. Potential challenges and opportunities in the development of 3D printing and 4D printing are outlined. Keywords: Multidirectional preform, 3D printing, 4D printing, Mechanical property, Shape memory property