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Fabricating 3D Moisture- and NIR Light-Responsive Actuators by a One-Step Gradient Stress-Relaxation Process
Ling Hu1, Jinqiang Jiang1, Zhao-Tie Liu1
1Key Laboratory of Syngas Conversion of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710062, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 19, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a one-step method to create 3D polymer actuators from 2D films. These actuators respond to moisture and near-infrared light, offering flexible shape-changing capabilities for applications like soft robotics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Soft Robotics
Background:
- Polymeric actuators are crucial for artificial muscles and soft robotics.
- Current limitations include fixed shapes and complex fabrication processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile method for creating 3D-shaped, stimuli-responsive polymer actuators.
- To enhance shape-changing flexibility and control in polymer actuators.
Main Methods:
- A one-step surface wetting treatment of 2D poly(ethylene oxide)/sodium alginate/tannic acid films.
- Utilizing spatial wetting to induce gradient stress release and bidirectional bending.
- Incorporating Fe3+ ions for gradient cross-linking and photothermal properties.
Main Results:
- Successfully converted 2D films into 3D-shaped actuators responsive to moisture and NIR light.
- Achieved controlled 3D shape formation by manipulating wetting patterns.
- Demonstrated stable, moisture-responsive morphing and NIR light actuation.
Conclusions:
- The one-step treatment offers a convenient and versatile strategy for fabricating 3D polymer actuators.
- This approach enables flexible shape-changing behaviors for advanced applications.
- The developed actuators show promise for soft robotics and implantable devices.
