Flat 3D-printed sheets transform to satellites after entering space

The technique morphs 2D shapes into 3D structures. PIC COURTESY/University of Illinois

A team of researchers has developed a low-energy, scalable technique that can morph 2D materials into strong 3D structures using a combination of 3D printing and a heat-triggered chemical process.

The team used a continuous carbon fiber 3D printer that laid down hair-thin bundles of fiber, with each layer partially cured using ultraviolet light.

The structure was then frozen with liquid resin and later activated with heat - requiring no large autoclaves or ovens.

The trick lies in frontal polymerisation, a heat process that curves the flat sheet through a self-propagating reaction.

The printing patterns were coded to create a spiral cylinder, a twisted strip, a cone, a saddle, and a parabolic dish.

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