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Bionic intelligent soft actuators: high-strength gradient intelligent hydrogels with diverse controllable
Qian Zhao1, Yanjiao Chang1, Zhenglei Yu1
1The Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China. liangyunhong@jlu.edu.cn.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|September 30, 2020
Summary
Novel nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) reinforced gradient hydrogels exhibit tunable responses to near-infrared light. These intelligent hydrogel actuators demonstrate bionic movements, paving the way for soft robotics and health engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Robotics
Background:
- Intelligent hydrogels are crucial for advanced applications like soft robotics.
- Developing hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties and responsive behaviors is an ongoing challenge.
- Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) offers potential for reinforcing hydrogel structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare novel NFC-reinforced gradient intelligent hydrogels.
- To investigate the relationship between NFC content, hydrogel structure, and near-infrared laser response.
- To explore the self-driven functionalities and mechanisms of these hydrogels for bionic applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of gradient intelligent hydrogels with varying NFC concentrations.
- Characterization of hydrogel structure, crosslinking density, and Young's modulus.
- Evaluation of near-infrared laser-induced deformation, movement patterns, and self-driven efficiency.
Main Results:
- NFC addition significantly influenced the gradient structure and enhanced mechanical properties (Young's modulus).
- The hydrogels exhibited multiple response patterns, including bending and curling, driven by near-infrared light.
- A mathematical model was established to explain the self-driven mechanisms based on material properties and stimulus intensity.
- Higher Young's modulus correlated with lower self-driven rates and efficiency.
Conclusions:
- NFC-reinforced gradient intelligent hydrogels offer a promising platform for tunable mechanical and intelligent properties.
- These hydrogels can achieve complex movements, suitable for bionic soft robots.
- The study provides insights into hydrogel design for advanced functional materials in health engineering.
