Articles (Review & Research)

3D printing permits the construction of objects by layer-by-layer deposition of material, resulting in precise control of the dimensions and properties of complex printed structures. Although 3D printing fabricates inanimate objects, the emerging technology of 4D printing allows for animated structures that change their shape, function, or properties over time when exposed to specific external stimuli after fabrication. Among the materials used in 4D printing, hydrogels have attracted growing interest due to the availability of various smart hydrogels. The reversible shape-morphing in 4D printed hydrogel structures is driven by a stress mismatch arising from
the different swelling degrees in the parts of the structure upon application of a stimulus. This review provides the state-of-the-art of 4D printing of hydrogels from the materials perspective. First, the main 3D printing technologies employed are briefly depicted, and, for each one, the required physico-chemical properties of the precursor material. Then, the hydrogels that have been printed are described, including stimuli-responsive hydrogels, non-responsive hydrogels that are sensitive to solvent absorption/ desorption, and multimaterial structures that are totally hydrogel-based. Finally, the current and future applications of this technology are presented, and the requisites and avenues of improvement in terms of material properties are discussed.

With recent advances in the field of 3D printing, new prosthetic features have been developed to provide accessibility to patients. However, the mechanisms employed for its performance still need to be better explored. In this article, a study is proposed on the angular variation between the joints of a human finger and a design solution based on soft robotics, in order to guide studies on prosthetic solutions.

This paper presents some results of an ongoing interdisciplinary research about models and prototypes of biomimetic devices via installations and the focus of this paper is to outline this research role in architectural purposes as it perpasses the cultural and heritage contexts by being a way of understanding and living in the world as well as taking place in the world as devices or environments that pass on to future generation to use, learn from and be inspired by.

ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) é um equipamento versátil e amplamente utilizado nas variadas operações das plataformas de petróleo, inclusive tendo aplicabilidade no campo militar. É um veículo submarino não tripulado, controlado pela superfície através de um cabo umbilical responsável pela alimentação e comunicação com o mesmo.

Sustainable energy performance: Bio-inspiration from thermoregulation of the termite mounds

This research reflects on the possibility of architecture eco-­‐sustainable development from the point of view of energy, space and environmental heritage, based on the constructive process of some species of social wasps ( Hymenoptera) and termites ( Isoptera)

Para a pesquisa em andamento, estão sendo desenvolvidas, através do uso de metodologias apropriadas de design, sistemas CAD/CAE e elaboração de protótipos, embalagens para cosméticos com formas e funcionalidades inspiradas na natureza, com a incorporação de materiais biodegradáveis, obtendo um produto capaz de atender aos requisitos de design e sustentabilidade.

O presente trabalho, que mostra resultados preliminares de pesquisa em andamento, consiste no estudo de materiais hidrogéis e suas possibilidades de aplicação por meio de impressão 4D, descrevendo os principais fatores relacionados a este método e as propriedades do hidrogel que justificam seu uso neste contexto