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Yin X, He S, Fu X, Xiong X, Song Y, Zhao Q. Shape-Regulated Motion and Energy Conversion of Polyelectrolyte Membrane Actuators. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2407560. [PMID: 39139020 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202407560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Smart actuators hold great potential in soft robotics and sensors, but their movement at the fluid interface is less understood and controlled, hindering their performances and applications in complicated fluids. Here an ethanol-containing polyelectrolyte actuator is prepared that demonstrates excellent actuating performance via the Marangoni effect. These actuators exhibit enduring (17 min), repeatable (50 cycles), and autonomous motion on the water surface. More importantly, the motion of actuators are dependent on their shapes. Polygonal actuators with more edges exhibit round motion attached to walls of containers, while the actuators with few edges move randomly. On the basis of this property, the circular actuators can pass through pipe bends with S-shaped complex geometry. These unique advantages lend the actuators to successful applications in wireless sensing (standard 0-5 V level signals) for locating obstructions inside invisible pipes and continuous energy harvesting (7700 nC per cycle) for micro mechanical energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianze Yin
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials & Advanced Processing Technology, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
| | - Shuyan He
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials & Advanced Processing Technology, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
| | - Xinming Fu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials & Advanced Processing Technology, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoshuang Xiong
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials & Advanced Processing Technology, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
| | - Yiheng Song
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials & Advanced Processing Technology, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
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Tian Y, Xu Z, Qi H, Lu X, Jiang T, Wang L, Zhang G, Xiao R, Wu H. Magnetic-field induced shape memory hydrogels for deformable actuators. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:5314-5323. [PMID: 38712600 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00248b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Magnetic hydrogel actuators exhibit promising applications in the fields of soft robotics, bioactuators, and flexible sensors owing to their inherent advantages such as remote control capability, untethered deformation and motion control, as well as easily manipulable behavior. However, it is still a challenge for magnetic hydrogels to achieve adjustable stiffness and shape fixation under magnetic field actuation deformation. Herein, a simple and effective approach is proposed for the design of magnetic shape memory hydrogels to accomplish this objective. The magnetic shape memory hydrogels, consisting of methacrylamide, methacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol and Fe3O4 magnetic particles, which crosslinked by hydrogen bonds, are facilely prepared via one-pot polymerization. The dynamic nature of noncovalent bonds offers the magnetic hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties, precisely controlled stiffness, and effective shape fixation. The presence of Fe3O4 particles renders the hydrogels soft when subjected to an alternating current field, facilitating their deformation under the influence of an actuation magnetic field. After the elimination of the alternating current magnetic field, the hydrogels stiffen and attain a fixed actuated shape in the absence of any external magnetic field. Moreover, this remarkable magnetic shape memory hydrogel is effectively employed as an underwater soft gripper for lifting heavy objects. This work provides a novel strategy for fabricating magnetic hydrogels with non-contact reversible actuation deformation, tunable stiffness and shape locking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tian
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Special Purpose Equipment and Advanced Processing Technology, Ministry of Education and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of High-end Laser Manufacturing Equipment (National "2011 Plan"), Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhirui Xu
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Special Purpose Equipment and Advanced Processing Technology, Ministry of Education and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of High-end Laser Manufacturing Equipment (National "2011 Plan"), Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Qi
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Special Purpose Equipment and Advanced Processing Technology, Ministry of Education and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of High-end Laser Manufacturing Equipment (National "2011 Plan"), Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Lu
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Special Purpose Equipment and Advanced Processing Technology, Ministry of Education and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of High-end Laser Manufacturing Equipment (National "2011 Plan"), Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting Jiang
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Special Purpose Equipment and Advanced Processing Technology, Ministry of Education and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of High-end Laser Manufacturing Equipment (National "2011 Plan"), Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liqian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Guang Zhang
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Special Purpose Equipment and Advanced Processing Technology, Ministry of Education and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Rui Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Huaping Wu
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Special Purpose Equipment and Advanced Processing Technology, Ministry of Education and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of High-end Laser Manufacturing Equipment (National "2011 Plan"), Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
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Sun M, Bai S, Wang H, Li Z, Wang Y, Guo X. Localized self-assembly of macroscopically structured supramolecular hydrogels through reaction-diffusion. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:4776-4782. [PMID: 38842423 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00467a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Localized molecular self-assembly has been developed as an effective approach for the fabrication of spatially resolved supramolecular hydrogels, showing great potential for many high-tech applications. However, the fabrication of macroscopically structured supramolecular hydrogels through molecular self-assembly remains a challenge. Herein, we report on localized self-assembly of low molecular weight hydrogelators through a simple reaction-diffusion approach, giving rise to various macroscopically patterned supramolecular hydrogels. This is achieved on the basis of an acid-catalyzed hydrazone supramolecular hydrogelator system. The acid was pre-loaded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate, generating a proton gradient in the vicinity of the PDMS surface after immersing the PDMS in the aqueous solution of the hydrogelator precursors. The acid dramatically accelerates the in situ formation and self-assembly of the hydrazone hydrogelators, leading to localized formation of supramolecular hydrogels. The growth rate of the supramolecular hydrogels can be easily tuned through controlling the concentrations of the hydrogelator precursors and HCl. Importantly, differently shaped supramolecular hydrogel objects can be obtained by simply changing the shapes of PDMS. This work suggests that reaction-diffusion-mediated localized hydrogelation can serve as an approach towards macroscopically structuralized supramolecular hydrogels, which may find potential applications ranging from tissue engineering to biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengran Sun
- School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Shengyu Bai
- School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Hucheng Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Zhongqi Li
- School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Yiming Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Intelligent Sensing and Detection Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Xuhong Guo
- School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
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Hu Z, Tang W, Ji X. Application of Organic Gel on Skin Realized by Hydrogel/Organic Gel Adhesion. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400371. [PMID: 38879779 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Diversity in solvent selection bestows the organic gel with appealing characteristics embracing antidrying, anti-icing, and antifouling abilities. However, organic gel, subjected to the "toxic" inherent property of solvent, is not able to be manipulated on skin. Herein, introducing the hydrogel layer amid organic gel and skin is envisaged to realize application of organic gel on skin. Hydrogel, inserted as the medium layer, works for the coupling role between skin and organic gel, also avoids the direct contact of organic gel toward skin. First, hydrogel system composed of acrylic acid is fabricated, meanwhile organic gel is prepared employing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol (EG) as solvent. Organic gel is able to adhere to hydrogel by hydrogen bonding resulting from carboxyl groups of polyacrylic acid chains and hydroxyl groups occurring on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or EG. Additionally, hydrogen bonding enables the hydrogel to be firmly attached to skin, thus organic gel/hydrogel/skin assembly is produced. The further application of organic gel is exploited by incorporating stimuli-responsive dyes including spiropyran and rhodamine derivative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Materials Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Materials Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Key Laboratory of Human-Machine-Intelligence Synergic System, Research Center for Neural Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Xiaofan Ji
- Key Laboratory of Materials Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Materials Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
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Yang Y, Wang Y, Lin M, Liu M, Huang C. Bio-inspired facile strategy for programmable osmosis-driven shape-morphing elastomer composite structures. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:2180-2190. [PMID: 38406864 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh01731a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Achieving programmable and reversible deformations of soft materials is a long-standing goal for various applications in soft robotics, flexible electronics and many other fields. Swelling-induced shape morphing has been intensively studied as one of the potential mechanisms. However, achieving an extremely large swelling ratio (>1000% in volume) remains challenging with existing swellable soft materials (e.g., hydrogels and water-swellable rubbers). Inspired by the shape change enabled by the osmosis-driven swelling in living organisms, herein, we report a polymer composite system composed of fine sodium chloride (NaCl) particles embedded in Ecoflex00-10 polymer. This Ecoflex00-10/NaCl polymer composite can achieve controllable volumetric swelling up to 3000% while maintaining a relatively high elastic stiffness. We demonstrate that this swellable polymer composite can serve as an active component to drive the shape morphing of various structures. By controlling the geometric design and the fraction of the NaCl particle, morphing structures capable of deforming sequentially are created. Finally, by encapsulating 3D printed polymer composite patterns using water-permeable PDMS membrane, a programmable braille with visual and tactile regulation is demonstrated for the purpose of information encryption. Our study provides a facile approach to generate customizable shape-morphing structures, aiming to broaden the range of techniques and applications for morphing devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhang Yang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
| | - Yueying Wang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
| | - Marcus Lin
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
| | - Mingchao Liu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Changjin Huang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
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Puza F, Thiel MC, Wagner Y, Marx M, Motz C, Lienkamp K. Polymer Hydrogel Sheets with Perpendicular Cross-Linking Gradient: Non-Monotonic Actuation and Ion-Specific Effects on the Actuation Kinetics. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2300539. [PMID: 37985952 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Non-monotonous actuation, that is, different kinds of motion in response to a single stimulus, is observed in some natural materials but difficult to implement in synthetic systems. Herein, polymer hydrogel sheets made from polyacrylamide (PAAm) or poly(dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAA) with a cross-linking gradient along the sheet thickness are reported. These are obtained by thermally initiated free radical polymerization using a specially designed Teflon mold with a glass lid. The resulting PAAm hydrogels undergo non-monotonous actuation (rolling into a tube and re-opening) when exposed to aqueous media as a single external stimulus. Their actuation kinetics is tuned with anions that have specific ion effects in their interaction with the surrounding solvent and the polymer itself: structure-breaking chloride enhances the hydration of the polymer backbone, structure-making sulfate decreases it, and is thus slowing down the actuation kinetics of the PAAm hydrogels. The PDMAA gel rolls up instantaneously in aqueous NaCl and only re-opens after 24 h. PDMAA actuation in aqueous Na2 SO4 is only moderate as the gel did not swell in that solvent. Bilayer hydrogels made from PAAm and PDMAA (without gradient) show monotonic actuation, closing in NaCl solution and re-opening in Na2 SO4 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Puza
- Professur für Polymerwerkstoffe, Fachrichtung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Marc Christopher Thiel
- Professur für Polymerwerkstoffe, Fachrichtung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Yannic Wagner
- Professur für Polymerwerkstoffe, Fachrichtung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Michael Marx
- Professur für Experimentelle Methodik der Werkstoffwissenschaften, Fachrichtung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Christian Motz
- Professur für Experimentelle Methodik der Werkstoffwissenschaften, Fachrichtung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Karen Lienkamp
- Professur für Polymerwerkstoffe, Fachrichtung Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
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Mills AS, Chou E, Baierl Z, Daltorio KA, Wnek GE. Elastic/viscoelastic polymer bilayers: a model-based approach to stretch-responsive constructs. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:407-420. [PMID: 38108205 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01004j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The use of polymers in the fabrication of bilayers for stimuli-responsive systems is well-known, yet viscoelasticity and viscoelastic models representing bilayer behavior have received surprisingly little attention. Of particular recent interest to us are simple polymeric bilayers in which one material, such as styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS) or styrene-isobutylene-styrene (SIBS), shows typical rubbery elastic response upon extension and retraction, and the other, an unvulcanized, low-Tg polymer such as butyl rubber (butyl), exhibits a viscoelastic response. When such a bilayer strip is extended to a fixed strain and held for several seconds followed by sudden release of this strain, rapid curling is observed, achieving a maximum curvature within 1 second, with a gradual uncurling, typically taking 300-600 seconds to eventually return to a flat strip. Attention has been directed to modeling the observed bilayer behavior. We compare predicted curvature and relaxation time constants from finite element analysis (FEA) simulations using Maxwell, Zener, Generalized Maxwell, and Parallel Rheological Framework (PRF) viscoelastic models to the experimentally measured values. We find that the Generalized Maxwell model predicts curvature over time with the lowest overall mean absolute scaled error (MASE) of 0.519, corresponding to a 4.9% difference from the second lowest error model and a 76.8% difference from the highest error model. Building upon an understanding of the material mechanics in simple bilayer strips, more complex bilayer systems can be designed. Samples of cross and weave geometries were fabricated from bilayer films and initial testing demonstrates how these materials can be used in potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin S Mills
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
| | - Evan Chou
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
| | - Zachary Baierl
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
| | - Kathryn A Daltorio
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
| | - Gary E Wnek
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
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Jin B, Wu W, Yuan Z, Wang C. Tough and Robust Metallosupramolecular Hydrogels Enabled by Ti 3C 2T x MXene Nanosheets. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4025. [PMID: 37836074 PMCID: PMC10575237 DOI: 10.3390/polym15194025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, many tough synthetic hydrogels have been created as promising candidates in fields such as smart electronic devices. In this paper, we propose a simple strategy to construct tough and robust hydrogels. Two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets and metal ions were introduced into poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogels, the MXene nanosheets acted as multifunctional cross-linkers and effective stress-transfer centers, and physical cross-links were formed between Fe3+ and carboxylic acid. Under deformation, the coordination interactions exhibit reversible dissociation and reorganization properties, suggesting a novel mechanism of energy dissipation and stress redistribution. The design enabled the hydrogel to exhibit outstanding and balanced mechanical properties (tensile strength of up to 5.67 MPa and elongation at break of up to 508%). This study will facilitate the diverse applications of metallosupramolecular hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biqiang Jin
- College of Science, Xichang University, Xichang 615000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (Z.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Wenqiang Wu
- Sichuan Dowhon New Material Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610036, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (Z.Y.); (C.W.)
| | - Changcheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (Z.Y.); (C.W.)
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Matonis S, Zhuang B, Bishop AF, Naik DA, Temel Z, Bettinger CJ. Edible Origami Actuators Using Gelatin-Based Bioplastics. ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS 2023; 5:6288-6295. [PMID: 37588084 PMCID: PMC10425958 DOI: 10.1021/acsapm.3c00919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The potential of ingestible medical devices can be greatly enhanced through the use of smart structures made from stimuli-responsive materials. While hydration is a convenient stimulus for inducing shape changes in biomaterials, finding robust materials that can achieve rapid actuation, facile manufacturability, and biocompatibility suitable for ingestible medical devices poses practical challenges. Hydration is a convenient stimulus to induce shape changes in smart biomaterials; however, there are many practical challenges to identifying materials that can achieve rapid actuation and facile manufacturability while satisfying constraints associated with biocompatibility requirements and mechanical properties that are suitable for ingestible medical devices. Herein, we illustrate the formulation and processability of a moisture-responsive genipin-crosslinked gelatin bioplastic system, which can be processed into complex three-dimensional shapes. Mechanical characterization of bioplastic samples showed Young's Modulus values as high as 1845 MPa and toughness values up to 52 MJ/m3, using only food-safe ingredients. Custom molds and UV-laser processing enabled the fabrication of centimeter-scale structures with over 150 independent actuating joints. These self-actuating structures soften and unfold in response to surrounding moisture, eliminating the need for additional stimuli or actuating elements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ailla F. Bishop
- Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Durva A. Naik
- Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Zeynep Temel
- Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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Lalegani Dezaki M, Bodaghi M. Magnetically controlled bio-inspired elastomeric actuators with high mechanical energy storage. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:3015-3032. [PMID: 37021651 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00266g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Many biological systems are made to operate more quickly, efficiently, and with more power by storing elastic energy. This work introduces a straightforward bioinspired design for the quick manufacture of pre-stressed soft magnetic actuators. The actuator requires a lower magnetic field strength to be activated and can regain its original shape without the need for external stimuli. These characteristics are demonstrated in this work through the creation of actuators with round and helical shape structures inspired by the tendril plant and chameleon's tongue. Both the final form of the actuator and its actuation sequence may be programmed by controlling the direction and strength of the force utilised to pre-stress the elastomeric layer. Analytical models are presented to trace the actuators' energy storage, radius, and pitch. High-speed shape recovery after releasing the magnetic force and a strong grasping force are achieved due to the stored mechanical elastic energy. Experiments are conducted to analyse the shape changes, grasping action, and determine the actuation force. The manufacture of the grippers with zero-magnetic field strength holding capacities of up to 20 times their weight is made possible by the elastic energy that actuators store in their pre-stressed elastomeric layer. The outcomes of our research show that a unique magnetic field-controlled soft actuator can be created in different shapes and designs based on requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Lalegani Dezaki
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK.
| | - Mahdi Bodaghi
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK.
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