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3D printed reversible shape changing soft actuators assisted by liquid crystal elastomers.

Chao Yuan1, Devin J Roach, Conner K Dunn

  • 1G.W.W. School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA. qih@me.gatech.edu.

Soft Matter
|July 20, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Researchers developed advanced soft actuators using 3D printing and liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). These printed active composites exhibit controllable, two-way shape changes activated by printed electronics for diverse applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Robotics
  • Additive Manufacturing

Background:

  • Soft actuators are crucial for advanced robotics and adaptive structures.
  • Controlling shape change in soft materials remains a significant challenge.
  • Integrating electronics with soft materials requires novel fabrication techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To create soft actuators with free-standing, two-way shape-changing capabilities.
  • To demonstrate the use of printed active composites for complex shape transformations.
  • To explore the potential of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) in 3D-printed structures.

Main Methods:

  • Combining 3D printing, printed electronics, and LCEs.
  • Activating LCE strips via Joule heating from printed conductive wires.
  • Utilizing uniaxial LCE deformation for controlled bending in printed composites.
  • Characterizing laminated hinges for precise actuation control.

Main Results:

  • Successfully fabricated soft actuators with two-way shape-changing behavior.
  • Demonstrated actuation in four designs: morphing airplane, Miura-ori structure, cubic box, and soft crawler.
  • Achieved sequential folding in a cubic box using addressable heating.
  • Enabled locomotion in a soft crawler through controlled shape changes.

Conclusions:

  • Hybrid 3D printing and pick-and-place methods enable controllable shape-changing structures.
  • LCEs are highly effective for creating advanced soft actuators.
  • The developed technology holds significant potential for practical applications in robotics and adaptive systems.