Self-shaping composites with programmable bioinspired microstructures

Erb, Randall M.; Sander, Jonathan S.; Grisch, Roman; Studart, André R.

doi:10.1038/ncomms2666

Cited by 579 publications

(573 citation statements)

References 24 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

551

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Unidirectional bending, like pinecones, has been achieved in most artificial actuators, whereas bidirectional bending is still difficult to achieve, 24,34,50 especially in a same solvent system. Here, bidirectional bending was achieved by the PAA-B-PBMA Janus film in acetone-water mixtures.…”

Section: Bidirectional Bendingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] For example, hydrogel bilayers embedded with intersecting inorganic platelets or cellulose fibrils have exhibited pine-cone-like bending and pod-like twisting motions. 24,31 However, the practical applications of these actuators were limited because of the low modulus and weak mechanical strength of the hydrogels. 32 Elastomer single layer films, such as azobenzene polymer films synthesized using an elaborate molecular design, 13,27 can achieve smart responsive curving.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

A monolithic hydro/organo macro copolymer actuator synthesized via interfacial copolymerization

et al. 2017

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Synthetic polymer actuators have attracted increasing attention for their potential applications in artificial muscles, soft robotics and sensors. The majority of previous efforts have focused on smart hydrogels with bilayer structures that can change their shape in response to environmental stimuli, such as temperature, light and certain chemicals. However, the practical application of hydrogels is limited because of their low modulus and weak mechanical strength. Here we synthesized a robust monolithic actuator of a macro-scale hydro/organo binary cooperative Janus copolymer film. The process involves direct, one-step interfacial polymerization of immiscible hydrophilic and hydrophobic vinyl monomer solutions, and the resultant product exhibited binary cooperative shape transformation to multiple external stimuli. The Janus copolymer film can work in both aqueous solutions and organic solvents, with bidirectional and site-specific bending arising from cooperative asymmetric swelling/shrinking of the hydrogel and organogel networks. In addition, the as-prepared Janus copolymer film can act as a sensor element for solvent leakage detection. This binary cooperative strategy is applicable to most immiscible monomer systems and provides a general approach to developing novel functional copolymer materials. NPG Asia Materials (2017) 9, e380; doi:10.1038/am.2017.61; published online 19 May 2017 INTRODUCTIONThe shape transformations of biological organisms [1][2][3][4][5][6] have been the inspiration for many products in the field of artificial muscles, 7-13 soft robotics, 14-19 sensors 20 and complex shape engineering. 21,22 For example, the leaves of the Venus flytrap snap together to capture insects by virtue of the synergy between the hydroelastic instability and asymmetric expansion of the inner and outer surfaces at the cellular level. 2 The layered anisotropic orientated cellulose fibrils induce hygroscopic movements of pine cones, 1 wheat awns, 3 orchid tree seedpods 6 and other plants. By mimicking the sophisticated hierarchical structures present in nature, the motion of polymer films has been successfully demonstrated in several cases. [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] For example, hydrogel bilayers embedded with intersecting inorganic platelets or cellulose fibrils have exhibited pine-cone-like bending and pod-like twisting motions. 24,31 However, the practical applications of these actuators were limited because of the low modulus and weak mechanical strength of the hydrogels. 32 Elastomer single layer films, such as azobenzene polymer films synthesized using an elaborate molecular design, 13,27 can achieve smart responsive curving. However, these films require a unidirectional stimulus to generate anisotropic contraction/expansion of their two sides; this factor limits the film thickness to the micrometer or sub-millimeter level. 27,[33][34][35] Therefore,

show abstract

Section: Bidirectional Bendingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A monolithic hydro/organo macro copolymer actuator synthesized via interfacial copolymerization

et al. 2017

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…[ 4,5 ] Mimicking the mechanics of the plant cell swelling process in osmosis, the shape of soft objects can be tailored by using stimuli-responsive polymers. [ 6 ] In hydrogel composites, [ 7 ] a reversible shape transformation including elongation, twisting, or folding [ 8 ] is achieved upon external chemical or thermal stimulation rendering these biomimetic devices to be mechanically active. Although mechanically adaptive to the environment, these soft actuators do not carry active electronics to assess and communicate the environmental changes.…”

Section: Doi: 101002/adma201503696mentioning

confidence: 99%

Biomimetic Microelectronics for Regenerative Neuronal Cuff Implants

et al. 2015

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…The result was HARNS embedded in the hydrogel in specific orientations, which altered with respect to each other in accordance with the degree of hydration of hydrogel [126], suggested for use in microfluidics. Magnetic field effects have been used to align micrometre rods and platelets with superparamagnetic coating in various polymers [183], which has enabled twisting and bending motions via the application of local constraint (Fig. 7).…”

Section: Reproducing Positioning and Orientationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphing in nature and beyond: a review of natural and synthetic shape-changing materials and mechanisms

2016

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Shape-changing materials open an entirely new solution space for a wide range of disciplines: from architecture that responds to the environment and medical devices that unpack inside the body, to passive sensors and novel robotic actuators. While synthetic shape-changing materials are still in their infancy, studies of biological morphing materials have revealed key paradigms and features which underlie efficient natural shape-change. Here, we review some of these insights and how they have been, or may be, translated to artificial solutions. We focus on soft matter due to its prevalence in nature, compatibility with users and potential for novel design. Initially, we review examples of natural shape-changing materials-skeletal muscle, tendons and plant tissues-and compare with synthetic examples with similar methods of operation. Stimuli to motion are outlined in general principle, with examples of their use and potential in manufactured systems. Anisotropy is identified as a crucial element in directing shape-change to fulfil designed tasks, and some manufacturing routes to its achievement are highlighted. We conclude with potential directions for future work, including the simultaneous development of materials and manufacturing techniques and the hierarchical combination of effects at multiple length scales.

show abstract

Self-shaping composites with programmable bioinspired microstructures

Cited by 579 publications

References 24 publications

A monolithic hydro/organo macro copolymer actuator synthesized via interfacial copolymerization

A monolithic hydro/organo macro copolymer actuator synthesized via interfacial copolymerization

Biomimetic Microelectronics for Regenerative Neuronal Cuff Implants

Morphing in nature and beyond: a review of natural and synthetic shape-changing materials and mechanisms

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About