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Seelinger D, Georges H, Schäfer JL, Huong J, Tajima R, Mittelstedt C, Biesalski M. Pinecone-Inspired Humidity-Responsive Paper Actuators with Bilayer Structure. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1402. [PMID: 38794595 PMCID: PMC11125993 DOI: 10.3390/polym16101402] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Many plant materials in nature have the ability to change their shape to respond to external stimuli, such as humidity or moisture, to ensure their survival or safe seed release. A well-known example for this phenomenon is the pinecone, which is able to open its scales at low humidity due to the specific bilayer structures of the scale. Inspired by this, we developed a novel humidity-driven actuator based on paper. This was realized by the lamination of untreated paper made from eucalyptus fibers to a paper-carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite. As observed, the hygroexpansion of the composite can be easily controlled by the amount of CMC in the impregnated paper sheet, which, thus, controls the morphologic deformation of the paper bilayer. For a more detailed understanding of these novel paper soft robots, we also studied the dynamic water vapor adsorption, polymer distribution and hygroexpansion of the paper-polymer composites. Finally, we applied a geometrically nonlinear finite element model to predict the bending behavior of paper bilayers and compared the results to experimental data. From this, we conclude that due to the complexity of structure of the paper composite, a universal prediction of the hygromorphic behavior is not a trivial matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Seelinger
- Ernst-Berl-Institut für Technische und Makromolekulare Chemie, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 8, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany (J.H.)
| | - Hussam Georges
- Fachgebiet für Leichtbau und Strukturmechanik, Technical University Darmstadt, Otto-Berndt-Str. 2, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany (C.M.)
| | - Jan-Lukas Schäfer
- Ernst-Berl-Institut für Technische und Makromolekulare Chemie, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 8, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany (J.H.)
| | - Jasmin Huong
- Ernst-Berl-Institut für Technische und Makromolekulare Chemie, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 8, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany (J.H.)
| | - Rena Tajima
- Ernst-Berl-Institut für Technische und Makromolekulare Chemie, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 8, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany (J.H.)
| | - Christan Mittelstedt
- Fachgebiet für Leichtbau und Strukturmechanik, Technical University Darmstadt, Otto-Berndt-Str. 2, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany (C.M.)
| | - Markus Biesalski
- Ernst-Berl-Institut für Technische und Makromolekulare Chemie, Technical University Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 8, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany (J.H.)
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Roth-Nebelsick A, Krause M. The Plant Leaf: A Biomimetic Resource for Multifunctional and Economic Design. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8020145. [PMID: 37092397 PMCID: PMC10123730 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020145] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As organs of photosynthesis, leaves are of vital importance for plants and a source of inspiration for biomimetic developments. Leaves are composed of interconnected functional elements that evolved in concert under high selective pressure, directed toward strategies for improving productivity with limited resources. In this paper, selected basic components of the leaf are described together with biomimetic examples derived from them. The epidermis (the "skin" of leaves) protects the leaf from uncontrolled desiccation and carries functional surface structures such as wax crystals and hairs. The epidermis is pierced by micropore apparatuses, stomata, which allow for regulated gas exchange. Photosynthesis takes place in the internal leaf tissue, while the venation system supplies the leaf with water and nutrients and exports the products of photosynthesis. Identifying the selective forces as well as functional limitations of the single components requires understanding the leaf as an integrated system that was shaped by evolution to maximize carbon gain from limited resource availability. These economic aspects of leaf function manifest themselves as trade-off solutions. Biomimetics is expected to benefit from a more holistic perspective on adaptive strategies and functional contexts of leaf structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthias Krause
- State Museum of Natural History, Rosenstein 1, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
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Meder F, Baytekin B, Del Dottore E, Meroz Y, Tauber F, Walker I, Mazzolai B. A perspective on plant robotics: from bioinspiration to hybrid systems. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2022; 18:015006. [PMID: 36351300 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/aca198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As miscellaneous as the Plant Kingdom is, correspondingly diverse are the opportunities for taking inspiration from plants for innovations in science and engineering. Especially in robotics, properties like growth, adaptation to environments, ingenious materials, sustainability, and energy-effectiveness of plants provide an extremely rich source of inspiration to develop new technologies-and many of them are still in the beginning of being discovered. In the last decade, researchers have begun to reproduce complex plant functions leading to functionality that goes far beyond conventional robotics and this includes sustainability, resource saving, and eco-friendliness. This perspective drawn by specialists in different related disciplines provides a snapshot from the last decade of research in the field and draws conclusions on the current challenges, unanswered questions on plant functions, plant-inspired robots, bioinspired materials, and plant-hybrid systems looking ahead to the future of these research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Meder
- Bioinspired Soft Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Bilge Baytekin
- Department of Chemistry and UNAM National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Yasmine Meroz
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Falk Tauber
- Plant Biomechanics Group (PBG) Freiburg, Botanic Garden of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ian Walker
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States of America
| | - Barbara Mazzolai
- Bioinspired Soft Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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Methods for numerical simulation of knit based morphable structures: knitmorphs. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6630. [PMID: 35459283 PMCID: PMC9033797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09422-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Shape morphing behavior has applications in many fields such as soft robotics, actuators and sensors, solar cells, tight packaging, flexible electronics, and biomedicine. The most common approach to achieve shape morphing structures is through shape memory alloys or hydrogels. These two materials undergo differential strains which generate a variety of shapes. In this work, we demonstrate the novel concept that 2D knits comprising of yarns from different materials can be morphed into different three-dimensional shapes thereby forming a bridge between traditional knitting and shape changing structures. This concept is referred to as Knitmorphs. Our computational analysis acts as the proof of concept revealing that knitted patterns of varying materials morph into complex shapes, such as saddle, axisymmetric cup, and a plate with waves when subjected to thermal loads. Two-dimensional circular models of plain and rib developed on CAD packages are imported to the finite element analysis software Abaqus, followed by post-processing into wires and assigning fiber material properties of different thermal coefficients of expansion and stiffness. We also propose potential applications for the concept of programmable knits for developing robots based upon jellyfish like locomotion, and complex structures similar to wind turbine blades. This novel concept is meant to introduce a new field for design when considering morphable structures.
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Poppinga S, Schenck P, Speck O, Speck T, Bruchmann B, Masselter T. Self-Actuated Paper and Wood Models: Low-Cost Handcrafted Biomimetic Compliant Systems for Research and Teaching. Biomimetics (Basel) 2021; 6:biomimetics6030042. [PMID: 34206585 PMCID: PMC8293091 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics6030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The abstraction and implementation of plant movement principles into biomimetic compliant systems are of increasing interest for technical applications, e.g., in architecture, medicine, and soft robotics. Within the respective research and development approaches, advanced methods such as 4D printing or 3D-braiding pultrusion are typically used to generate proof-of-concept demonstrators at the laboratory or demonstrator scale. However, such techniques are generally time-consuming, complicated, and cost-intensive, which often impede the rapid realization of a sufficient number of demonstrators for testing or teaching. Therefore, we have produced comparable simple handcrafted compliant systems based on paper, wood, plastic foil, and/or glue as construction materials. A variety of complex plant movement principles have been transferred into these low-cost physical demonstrators, which are self-actuated by shrinking processes induced by the anisotropic hygroscopic properties of wood or paper. The developed systems have a high potential for fast, precise, and low-cost abstraction and transfer processes in biomimetic approaches and for the "hands-on understanding" of plant movements in applied university and school courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Poppinga
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (P.S.); (O.S.); (T.S.)
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Pablo Schenck
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (P.S.); (O.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Olga Speck
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (P.S.); (O.S.); (T.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thomas Speck
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (P.S.); (O.S.); (T.S.)
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Bernd Bruchmann
- BASF SE, Advanced Materials and Systems Research, 67056 Ludwigshafen/Rhein, Germany;
| | - Tom Masselter
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (P.S.); (O.S.); (T.S.)
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (T.M.)
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Ilyas R, Sapuan S, Harussani M, Hakimi M, Haziq M, Atikah M, Asyraf M, Ishak M, Razman M, Nurazzi N, Norrrahim M, Abral H, Asrofi M. Polylactic Acid (PLA) Biocomposite: Processing, Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1326. [PMID: 33919530 PMCID: PMC8072904 DOI: 10.3390/polym13081326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Over recent years, enthusiasm towards the manufacturing of biopolymers has attracted considerable attention due to the rising concern about depleting resources and worsening pollution. Among the biopolymers available in the world, polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the highest biopolymers produced globally and thus, making it suitable for product commercialisation. Therefore, the effectiveness of natural fibre reinforced PLA composite as an alternative material to substitute the non-renewable petroleum-based materials has been examined by researchers. The type of fibre used in fibre/matrix adhesion is very important because it influences the biocomposites' mechanical properties. Besides that, an outline of the present circumstance of natural fibre-reinforced PLA 3D printing, as well as its functions in 4D printing for applications of stimuli-responsive polymers were also discussed. This research paper aims to present the development and conducted studies on PLA-based natural fibre bio-composites over the last decade. This work reviews recent PLA-derived bio-composite research related to PLA synthesis and biodegradation, its properties, processes, challenges and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- R.A. Ilyas
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia
- Centre for Advanced Composite Materials, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - S.M. Sapuan
- Laboratory of Biocomposite Technology, Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites (AEMC), Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.M.H.); (M.Y.A.Y.H.); (M.Z.M.H.)
| | - M.M. Harussani
- Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites (AEMC), Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.M.H.); (M.Y.A.Y.H.); (M.Z.M.H.)
| | - M.Y.A.Y. Hakimi
- Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites (AEMC), Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.M.H.); (M.Y.A.Y.H.); (M.Z.M.H.)
| | - M.Z.M. Haziq
- Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites (AEMC), Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.M.H.); (M.Y.A.Y.H.); (M.Z.M.H.)
| | - M.S.N. Atikah
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - M.R.M. Asyraf
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.R.M.A.); (M.R.I.)
| | - M.R. Ishak
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.R.M.A.); (M.R.I.)
| | - M.R. Razman
- Research Centre for Sustainability Science and Governance (SGK), Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - N.M. Nurazzi
- Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;
| | - M.N.F. Norrrahim
- Research Center for Chemical Defence, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;
| | - Hairul Abral
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Andalas University, Padang 25163, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia;
| | - Mochamad Asrofi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Jember, Kampus Tegalboto, Jember 68121, East Java, Indonesia;
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Müller UK, Poppinga S. Form, Structure, and Function: How Plants vs. Animals Solve Physical Problems. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 60:815-819. [PMID: 33141898 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants and animals have evolved solutions for a wide range of mechanical problems, such as adhesion and dispersal. Several of these solutions have been sources for bio-inspiration, like the Lotus Effect for self-cleaning surfaces or Velcro for adhesion. This symposium brought together plant and animal biomechanics researchers who tackle similar problems in different systems under the unifying theme of structure-function relations with relevance to bio-inspiration. For both communities it holds true that the structural systems, which have evolved in the respective organisms to address the mechanical challenges mentioned above, are often highly complex. This requires interdisciplinary research involving "classical" experimental biology approaches in combination with advanced imaging methods and computational modeling. The transfer of such systems into biomimetic technical materials and structures comes with even more challenges, like scalability issues and applicability. Having brought all these topics under one umbrella, this symposium presented the forefront of biophysical basic and application-oriented international research with the goal of facilitation knowledge transfer across systems and disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike K Müller
- Department of Biology, California State University Fresno, Fresno, California USA
| | - Simon Poppinga
- Plant Biomechanics Group, Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.,Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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