Abstract
Hydrogel actuators with soft-robotic functions and biomimetic advanced materials with facile and programmable fabrication processes remain scarce. A novel approach to fabricating a shape-memory-hydrogel-(SMG)-based bilayer system using 3D printing to yield a soft actuator responsive to the methodical application of swelling and heat is introduced. Each layer of the bilayer is composed of poly(N,N-dimethyl acrylamide-co-stearyl acrylate) (P(DMAAm-co-SA))-based hydrogels with different concentrations of the crystalline monomer SA within the SMG network and which exhibit distinctive physicochemical properties that enable anisotropic swelling-induced actuation of the bilayer with reversible shape-memory properties. The deformation, reversibility, and response time of the bilayer actuator are extensively dependent on temperature. Utilizing the proposed SMG bilayer actuator model with its synergistic functions, a nature-inspired flower architecture that changes its shape upon immersion in water and an underwater 3D macroscopic soft gripper that can grab, transport, and release a guest substance are developed to demonstrate the applicability of these hydrogels in biomimetic actuators, encapsulating systems, and soft robotics.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1900071 |
Journal | Advanced Materials Technologies |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2019 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- 3D Printing
- 4D printing
- biomimetic actuators
- shape memory hydrogels
- soft robotics
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Materials Science(all)
- Mechanics of Materials
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering