4D Printing and Shape Memory Performance of Polydopamine/Polylactic Acid Composites
Xiaole Zhao
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Search for more papers by this authorTingting Lu
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Search for more papers by this authorMin Yuan
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Search for more papers by this authorFuyou Ke
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Ye Chen
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Correspondence:
Ye Chen ([email protected])
Search for more papers by this authorHuaping Wang
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Search for more papers by this authorXiaole Zhao
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Search for more papers by this authorTingting Lu
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Search for more papers by this authorMin Yuan
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Search for more papers by this authorFuyou Ke
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Ye Chen
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Correspondence:
Ye Chen ([email protected])
Search for more papers by this authorHuaping Wang
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
Search for more papers by this authorFunding: This work was supported by Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan Natural Science Foundation General Project, 24ZR1400200 Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, 2232024A-02.
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the thermal, mechanical, and photothermal-driven shape memory properties of 3D-printed polydopamine (PDA) and polylactic acid (PLA) blends in the context of 4D printing. Homemade PDA particles were incorporated into the PLA matrix via melt blending, and 4D printing was performed using fused deposition modeling (FDM) to fabricate PLA composite parts with superior shape memory and mechanical properties. These properties enable remote light-driven actuation, achieving up to 70% shape recovery within 300 s. Increased laser power density to three times the original, the shape recovery time was shortened from 420 s to 180 s. Furthermore, the incorporation of PDA improved the material's surface wettability. Specifically, the water contact angle of pure PLA was 83.2° at 20 s, whereas the addition of 3 wt% PDA reduced it to 51.8°. These results suggest the potential application of the composite material as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Open Research
Data Availability Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Supporting Information
Filename | Description |
---|---|
pat70200-sup-0001-supinfo.docxWord 2007 document , 2.3 MB |
Table S1. FDM printing parameters. Figure S1. Shape memory recovery process of spline with different filling rates. Table S2. Shape memory recovery rate corresponding to fill rate. Figure S2. Spline shape memory recovery process at different raster angles. Table S3. Shape memory recovery rate corresponding to Grating angle. Figure S3. Mechanical properties test results of samples with different filling percentage: (a) tensile strength and elongation at break; (b) compressive stress–strain curve. Figure S4. Mechanical properties and porosity test results of samples with different filling angles: (a) tensile strength and elongation at break (b) compressive stress–strain curve. |
Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.
References
- 1S. Gopinath, N. N. Adarsh, P. Radhakrishnan Nair, and S. Mathew, “Recent Trends in Thermo-Responsive Elastomeric Shape Memory Polymer Nanocomposites,” Polymer Composites 44, no. 8 (2023): 4433–4458, https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.27464.
- 2T. Tadge, S. Garje, V. Saxena, and A. M. Raichur, “Application of Shape Memory and Self-Healable Polymers/Composites in the Biomedical Field: A Review,” ACS Omega 8, no. 36 (2023): 32294–32310, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c04569.
- 3L. Ren, Y. He, B. Wang, et al., “4D Printed Self-Sustained Soft Crawling Machines Fueled by Constant Thermal Field,” Advanced Functional Materials 34, no. 33 (2024): 2400161, https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202400161.
- 4Q. Jiang, B. P. Binks, and Z. Meng, “Double Scaffold Networks Regulate Edible Pickering Emulsion Gel for Designing Thermally Actuated 4D Printing,” Food Hydrocolloids 133 (2022): 107969.
- 5X. Liu, B. Li, Z. Gu, and K. Zhou, “4D Printing of Butterfly Scale–Inspired Structures for Wide-Angle Directional Liquid Transport,” Small 19, no. 34 (2023): 2207640, https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202207640.
- 6C. Deng, Y. Liu, X. Fan, et al., “Femtosecond Laser 4D Printing of Light-Driven Intelligent Micromachines,” Advanced Functional Materials 33, no. 11 (2023): 2211473, https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202211473.
- 7Z. Ren, K. Ding, X. Zhou, et al., “4D Printing Light-Driven Actuator With Lignin Photothermal Conversion Module,” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 253, no. Pt 1 (2023): 126562, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126562.
- 8Y. Shao, F. Long, Z. Zhao, et al., “4D Printing Light-Driven Soft Actuators Based on Liquid-Vapor Phase Transition Composites With Inherent Sensing Capability,” Chemical Engineering Journal 454 (2023): 140271, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.140271.
- 9J. Zhang, S. Liu, X. Wang, et al., “4D Printable Liquid Crystal Elastomers With Restricted Nanointerfacial Slippage for Long-Term-Cyclic-Stability Photothermal Actuation,” Materials Horizons 11, no. 10 (2024): 2483–2493, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3mh02230g.
- 10Y. Wang, H. Zhu, X. Ye, et al., “4D Printing of Magneto-and Thermo-Responsive, Adaptive and Multimodal Soft Robots,” Virtual and Physical Prototyping 20, no. 1 (2025): e2457025, https://doi.org/10.1080/17452759.2025.2457025.
- 11X. Hu, Z. Ge, X. Wang, N. Jiao, S. Tung, and L. Liu, “Multifunctional Thermo-Magnetically Actuated Hybrid Soft Millirobot Based on 4D Printing,” Composites Part B: Engineering 228 (2022): 109451, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2021.109451.
- 12V. Corsino, V. Ruiz-Díez, J. M. Gilpérez, M. Ramírez-Palma, and J. L. Sánchez-Rojas, “Machine Learning Techniques for the Estimation of Viscosity and Density of Aqueous Solutions in Piezo-Actuated 3D-Printed Cells,” Sensors and Actuators A: Physical 363 (2023): 114694, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2023.114694.
- 13M. Zhou, Y. Tian, M. L. S. Nai, H. J. Qi, and K. Zhou, “4D Printing of Multiscale Filler–Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposites With Electro-Activated Shape Memory Properties,” Virtual and Physical Prototyping 20, no. 1 (2025): e2474537, https://doi.org/10.1080/17452759.2025.2474537.
- 14J. Zheng, H. Yu, J. Wang, et al., “4D Printed Butterfly-Inspired Hydrogel Structures: Simple Strategies for Multiform Morphing,” ACS Materials Letters 7, no. 3 (2025): 1035–1041, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmaterialslett.4c02589.
- 15H. M. Pan and A. Goto, “Topology-Dependent pH-Responsive Actuation and Shape Memory Programming for Biomimetic 4D Printing,” Macromolecular Rapid Communications 44, no. 9 (2023): 2300074.
- 16E. Yarali, M. J. Mirzaali, A. Ghalayaniesfahani, A. Accardo, P. J. Diaz-Payno, and A. A. Zadpoor, “4D Printing for Biomedical Applications,” Advanced Materials 36, no. 31 (2024): 2402301.
- 17S. Shakibania, L. Ghazanfari, M. Raeeszadeh-Sarmazdeh, and M. Khakbiz, “Medical Application of Biomimetic 4D Printing,” Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy 47, no. 4 (2021): 521–534, https://doi.org/10.1080/03639045.2020.1862179.
- 18M. A. Naniz, M. Askari, A. Zolfagharian, M. Afzali Naniz, and M. Bodaghi, “4D Printing: A Cutting-Edge Platform for Biomedical Applications,” Biomedical Materials 17, no. 6 (2022): 062001, https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-605X/ac8e42.
- 19T. Wan, B. Wang, Q. Han, J. Chen, B. Li, and S. Wei, “A Review of Superhydrophobic Shape-Memory Polymers: Preparation, Activation, and Applications,” Applied Materials Today 29 (2022): 101665, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2022.101665.
- 20A. Yadav, S. K. Singh, S. Das, et al., “Shape Memory Polymer and Composites for Space Applications: A Review[J],” Polymer Composites (2025).
10.1002/pc.29707 Google Scholar
- 21S. Kumar, N. Ojha, M. Ramesh, et al., “4D Printing of Heat-Stimulated Shape Memory Polymer Composite for High-Temperature Smart Structures/Actuators Applications[J],” Polymer Composites 45, no. 17 (2024): 15460–15490.
- 22H. Ikram, A. Al Rashid, and M. Koç, “Additive Manufacturing of Smart Polymeric Composites: Literature Review and Future Perspectives,” Polymer Composites 43, no. 9 (2022): 6355–6380, https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.26948.
- 23X. Kuang, D. J. Roach, J. Wu, et al., “Advances in 4D Printing: Materials and Applications[J],” Advanced Functional Materials 29, no. 2 (2019): 1805290.
- 24P. Prathumrat, M. Nikzad, R. Arablouei, and M. Okhawilai, “Shape Memory Liquid Crystalline Polymers: Stimuli-Responsiveness, Advanced Technologies, and Key Applications[J],” Polymers for Advanced Technologies 35, no. 8 (2024): e6531.
- 25W. Zhao, C. Yue, L. Liu, et al., “Research Progress of Shape Memory Polymer and 4D Printing in Biomedical Application[J],” Advanced Healthcare Materials 12, no. 16 (2023): 2201975.
- 26H. Lee, S. M. Dellatore, W. M. Miller, and P. B. Messersmith, “Mussel-Inspired Surface Chemistry for Multifunctional Coatings,” Science 318, no. 5849 (2007): 426–430, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1147241.
- 27W. Chen, L. Nichols, L. Teer, K. Clinton, and L. B. Priddy, “A Hybrid Coating of Polydopamine and Nano-Hydroxyapatite Enhances Surface Properties of 3D Printed Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Scaffolds,” Journal of Materials Science 57, no. 27 (2022): 13011–13026, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-022-07442-y.
- 28Y. Zou, B. Zhou, W. Guo, Z. Sun, X. Lu, and L. Li, “PLLA/(MWCNTs-ZnO)@PDA Composite With NIR-Light Induced Shape Memory Effect, Antibacterial Properties and 3D Printability,” Materials Today Chemistry 37 (2024): 101995, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtchem.2024.101995.
- 29Z. Huang, J. Li, X. Chen, et al., “Photothermal Sensitive 3D Printed Biodegradable Polyester Scaffolds With Polydopamine Coating for Bone Tissue Engineering,” Polymers 15, no. 2 (2023): 381, https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020381.
- 30Y. Dong, K. Wu, Y. Yin, C. Geng, and Q. Zhou, “Shape Memory Self-Healing Coating Based on Photothermal Effect of PPy@ PDA Nanoparticles,” Synthetic Metals 280 (2021): 116869, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.synthmet.2021.116869.
- 31S. Kasemset, L. Wang, Z. He, et al., “Influence of Polydopamine Deposition Conditions on Hydraulic Permeability, Sieving Coefficients, Pore Size and Pore Size Distribution for a Polysulfone Ultrafiltration Membrane,” Journal of Membrane Science 522 (2017): 100–115, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2016.07.016.
- 32F. Bernsmann, V. Ball, F. Addiego, et al., “Dopamine− Melanin Film Deposition Depends on the Used Oxidant and Buffer Solution,” Langmuir 27, no. 6 (2011): 2819–2825, https://doi.org/10.1021/la104981s.
- 33Z. Yang, J. Si, Z. Cui, et al., “Biomimetic Composite Scaffolds Based on Surface Modification of Polydopamine on Electrospun Poly (Lactic Acid)/cellulose Nanofibrils,” Carbohydrate Polymers 174 (2017): 750–759, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.07.010.
- 34Y. Liu, C. Su, Y. Zu, X. Chen, J. Sha, and J. Dai, “Ultrafast Deposition of Polydopamine for High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced High-Temperature Ceramic Composites,” Scientific Reports 12, no. 1 (2022): 20489, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-24971-3.
- 35Z. M. Tahroudi, A. Razmjou, M. Bagherian, and M. Asadnia, “Polydopamine Surface Modification With UV-Shielding Effect Using KMnO4 as an Efficient Oxidizing Agent,” Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 559 (2018): 68–73, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2018.09.029.
- 36A. A. Abdel-Khalek, “Kinetic Studies on the Oxidation of [N-Phenylethylethylenediaminetriacetate] Chromium (III) by Periodate,” Transition Metal Chemistry 15, no. 2 (1990): 112–115, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01023898.
- 37F. Ponzio, J. Barthès, J. Bour, et al., “Oxidant Control of Polydopamine Surface Chemistry in Acids: A Mechanism-Based Entry to Superhydrophilic-Superoleophobic Coatings,” Chemistry of Materials 28, no. 13 (2016): 4697–4705, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.6b01587.
- 38C. Nieto, M. A. Vega, G. Marcelo, and E. M. Del Martín Valle, “Polydopamine Nanoparticles Kill Cancer Cells,” RSC Advances 8, no. 63 (2018): 36201–36208, https://doi.org/10.1039/c8ra05586f.
- 39Q. Wei, F. Zhang, J. Li, B. Li, and C. Zhao, “Oxidant-Induced Dopamine Polymerization for Multifunctional Coatings,” Polymer Chemistry 1, no. 9 (2010): 1430–1433, https://doi.org/10.1039/c0py00215a.
- 40A. Luyt and S. Gasmi, “Influence of Blending and Blend Morphology on the Thermal Properties and Crystallization Behaviour of PLA and PCL in PLA/PCL Blends,” Journal of Materials Science 51 (2016): 4670–4681.
- 41K. K. Gupta, N. Pal, P. K. Mishra, P. Srivastava, S. Mohanty, and P. Maiti, “5-Florouracil-Loaded Poly (Lactic Acid)-Poly (Caprolactone) Hybrid Scaffold: Potential Chemotherapeutic Implant,” Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A 102, no. 8 (2014): 2600–2612, https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.a.34932.
- 42B. Tawiah, B. Yu, A. C. Y. Yuen, and B. Fei, “Facile Preparation of Uniform Polydopamine Particles and Its Application as an Environmentally Friendly Flame Retardant for Biodegradable Polylactic Acid,” Journal of Fire Sciences 38, no. 6 (2020): 485–503, https://doi.org/10.1177/0734904120932479.
- 43W. Qin, K. Lei, M. Yan, et al., “Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composite Properties Improvement by Incorporation of Polydopamine Sizing at Fiber–Matrix Interface,” Polymer Composites 44, no. 4 (2023): 2441–2448, https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.27255.
- 44F. Li, W. Zhu, X. Zhang, C. Zhao, and M. Xu, “Shape Memory Effect of Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate Copolymers,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science 71, no. 7 (1999): 1063–1070.