3D printing applications of thermo-responsive functional materials: A review

ABSTRACTThe thermo-responsive materials are those temperature-sensitive materials that can change their properties when temperatures change. The thermo-responsive materials are categorised under the temperature stimulus-controlled materials of polymers, metals, oxides, alloys, ceramics, and composites. The three-dimensional (3D) printing process (also called an additive manufacturing (AM) process) is in which thermo-responsive materials are employed to form structures in required applications. The 3D printing of thermo-responsive materials is also known as four-dimensional (4D) printing since the application of the temperature leads to a change in the physical properties of the prepared components. In the recent past, many studies have been reported on the use of thermo-responsive materials in tissue engineering, drug delivery, bio-manufacturing, and bio-separation operations. The present study highlights the key applications of thermo-responsive materials by the 3D printing process.