Cheap, recyclable, scalable 3D printed plastics with tunable stiffness stretch/ flex repeatedly in 1 direction remaining rigid in another

https://materials.princeton.edu/news/2024/stretchable-flexible-recyclable-plastic-fantastic

"block thermoplastic elastomers, 1 cent/ g, 3D printed into stiff 5-7 nm thin cylindrical structures inside stretchy polymer matrix... forms controllable nanostructures... different regions of block copolymer chain separate instead of mixing, enabling stiff cylinders within stretchy matrix... printing rate/ controlled under-extrusion controls output's properties... thermal annealing enables self-healing... soft robots, biomedical devices, prosthetics, strong lightweight helmets, custom high-performance shoe soles, wearable electronics"

Related:

3D printing method producing shape-shifting liquid metal robotics with musculoskeletal qualities inspired by animal physiology
https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2024/12/giving-animal-strength-medical-robotics

Scientists make breakthrough in self-repairing plastic to reduce waste
https://www.pandct.com/news/scientists-make-breakthrough-in-self-repairing-plastic-to-reduce-waste