Table 7.

Key findings in the use of biomimetic materials in the aerospace industry field.

Key Findings and Applications	Description
Morphing wings and adaptive structures [120,121,122]	Integration of biomimetic smart materials into 4D-printed wing structures, enabling aircraft to dynamically change their shape during flight to optimize aerodynamic performance. Inspired by bird wings, these materials allow for efficient control of lift, drag, and maneuverability, leading to improved fuel efficiency, enhanced agility, and reduced noise emissions, contributing to more sustainable and advanced aircraft designs.
Deployable structures and adaptive components [123]	Utilization of 4D-printed materials capable of shape changes or actuation in response to external stimuli, such as temperature or electrical fields, to design deployable systems that expand or fold during space missions or for compact storage during transport. These materials enable the development of lightweight and space-efficient structures that adapt to the operational requirements of spacecraft, satellites, or planetary rovers.
Self-healing and self-repairing aerospace components [124]	Exploration of materials capable of autonomously repairing damages, such as microcracks or delamination, inspired by the regenerative capabilities of natural organisms. Incorporation of self-healing mechanisms into 4D-printed structures enables aircraft components to recover from structural damage, ensuring longer operational lifetimes, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing safety in harsh environments.
Aerospace robotics and actuators [125,126]	Integration of biomimetic smart materials into robotic systems and actuators, allowing engineers to create lightweight, adaptable, and efficient mechanisms. These biomimetic robotic systems can imitate the motions and behaviors of natural organisms, providing increased dexterity, flexibility, and efficiency in aerospace applications such as space exploration, satellite deployment, or maintenance operations.