The seed coat of tobacco displays an intriguing cellular pattern characterised by puzzle-like shapes whose specific function is unknown. Here, we perform a detailed investigation of the structure of tobacco seeds by electron microscopy and then follow the germination process by time lapse optical microscopy. We use particle image velocimetry to reveal the local deformation fields and perform compression experiments to study the mechanical properties of the seeds as a function of their hydration. To understand the mechanical role of the observed coat structure, we perform finite element calculations comparing structure with puzzle-shaped cells with similar structures lacking re-entrant features. The results indicate that puzzle-shaped cells act as stress suppressors and reduce the Poisson’s ratio of the seed coat structure. We thus conclude that the peculiar cellular structure of these seed coats serves a mechanical purpose that could be relevant to control germination.

Light stimulation can realise the remote control of the deformation of the specific position of 4D printing structure. Shape-memory polymer–carbon nanotube (CNT) composite materials, with outstanding near-infrared photothermal conversion rate and shape-memory ability, is one type of the most popular light responsive smart materials. However, current studies focused on the photothermal effect and shape-memory applications of light-responsive shape-memory polymer composite (SMPC) sheet structures, and there is no research on the photothermal effect in the depth direction of light-responsive SMPC three-dimensional structures. Here, we prepared a UV curable, mechanically robust, and highly deformable shape-memory polymer (IBBA) as the matrix of light responsive SMPC. CNTs were added as photothermal conversion materials. We explore the photothermal effect of near-infrared laser on the surface and depth of IBBA–CNT composites cube. Shape-memory experiments show that different folded shapes can be obtained by selective near-infrared laser programming. Selective near-infrared laser programming three-dimensional movable type plate shows a programming application in depth direction of three-dimensional light-responsive intelligent structure. This research extends the application of near-infrared laser in 4D printing to the depth direction of intelligent structures, which will bring more complex and interesting 4D printing structures in the future.

Pursuing highly efficient aerodynamic efficiency in aircraft has driven the development of morphing wing technology. However, there are still limitations to morphing wing technology, including adaptation of load and deformation, and deformation monitoring and control. This work introduces an intelligent trailing edge structure that balances deformation and load-bearing and achieves deformation monitoring and active control. Firstly, we employ a honeycomb structure for non-uniform filling of the trailing edge. The filling method is obtained through inverse design using a genetic algorithm based on neural networks, allowing the device to undergo continuous deformation while meeting load-bearing requirements. The bending deformation of the wing is achieved using shape memory alloy (SMA) wire. Additionally, we design and fabricate a metal-based multichannel flexible sensor, and based on beam bending theory, we establish the strain–displacement relationship. These sensors are affixed to the trailing edge surface, enabling real-time monitoring and active control of trailing edge deformation. Building an experimental platform to test this system, the results show that the sensors can accurately give feedback on the degree of wing deformation, and the error of active deformation control technology is less than 4%. This provides a new method for the deformation feedback control closed-loop system of intelligent variant wings.

Flexible electronics researchers have been conducting studies to explore the response of flexible stretchable electrodes to strain. The regulation of strain response in current flexible stretchable electrodes relies primarily on altering the material system, interfacial adhesion, or electrode structure. However, modifying the material system or interfacial adhesion can negatively disrupt the stretchable electrode preparation process, making commercialization a significant challenge. Additionally, the material system may be inadequate in extreme environments such as high temperatures. Hence a systematic structural design approach is crucial for effective response modulation of stretchable electrodes. One potential solution is the design of fibre structures from the micro to macro scale. This article focuses on discussing how the response of stretchable electrodes can be modulated by fibres in different states. The discussion includes fibres on elastic films, fibres directly constituting fibrous membranes at the microscopic level, and fibres constituting metamaterials at the fine level. The modulation can be achieved by altering the orientation of the fibres, the geometrical structure of the fibres themselves, and the geometrical structure formed between the fibres. Additionally, the article analyses the current situation of stretchable electrodes in extreme environments such as high temperatures. It also reviews the development of ceramic fibre membranes that can be stretched in high-temperature environments. The authors further discuss how the stretchability of ceramic fibre membranes can be improved through the structuring of ceramic fibre membranes with metamaterials. Ultimately, the goal is to realize stretchable electrodes that can be used in extreme environments such as high temperatures.

Linkage fabrics are gaining in popularity and finding applications in architecture, aerospace, healthcare, and fashion because they can deliver materials with bespoke flexibility and strength through the geometric design of linkage nodes. In this article, we provide a perspective on linkage fabrics as a new class of programmable materials. We describe the theory and design principles of these linkage fabrics and show how they can be designed and simulated using digital tools, and fabricated using 3D printing. This digital approach overcomes a major obstacle to the adoption of these materials, namely their complexity. We show how simulation methods can be verified and calibrated through experimental testing. This perspective article also discusses design-led research challenges for linkage fabrics such as the development of wearable assistive devices for those with physical disabilities.

Meta-structures, including metamaterials and metasurfaces, possess remarkable physical properties beyond those observed in natural materials and thus have exhibited unique wave manipulation abilities ranging from quantum to classical transports. The past decades have witnessed the explosive development and numerous implications of meta-structures in elastic-wave control under the Hermitian condition. However, more notably, a lot of recent research has been made to show that non-Hermitian meta-structures offer novel means for wave manipulation. Non-Hermiticity has enhanced both the accuracy and efficiency of wave steering capabilities. To this end, starting from electromagnetics and acoustics, we mainly review the up-to-date progress of non-Hermitian elastic meta-structures with a focus on their extraordinary elastic-wave control. A variety of promising scenarios realized by non-Hermitian elastic metamaterials and metasurfaces, such as the parity-time-symmetric system and the skin effect, are summarized. Furthermore, the perspectives and challenges of non-Hermitian elastic meta-structures for future key opportunities are outlined.