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Four-Dimensional Printing of Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogel-Based Soft Robots
Published on: January 13, 2023
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3D-printed photothermal-responsive shape-memory polymer for soft robotic applications.
Kalyan Ghosh1, Sohini Kar-Narayan1
1Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Rd, Cambridge CB3 0FS, UK. kg533@cam.ac.uk.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|October 29, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a photocurable resin for 3D printing shape-memory polymers. This enables 4D printed tools for soft robotics that actuate near room temperature using photothermal heating.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Robotics Engineering
Background:
- Soft robotics requires advanced materials for complex functionalities.
- Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) offer unique actuation capabilities.
- Current 4D printing methods face limitations in resolution and actuation temperature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formulate a novel photocurable resin for high-resolution 4D printing of SMPs.
- To enable the fabrication of customized tools for soft robotics.
- To demonstrate actuation of 4D printed SMPs at near ambient temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Development of a photocurable resin tailored for masked stereolithography.
- 3D printing of customized tools using the formulated resin.
- Characterization of shape-memory properties and actuation mechanisms.
- Photothermal heating for programmed shape recovery.
Main Results:
- Successful formulation of a photocurable resin enabling precise 3D printing.
- Fabrication of complex, customized tools with shape-memory properties.
- Demonstration of shape recovery and actuation at near ambient temperatures (e.g., ~30-40°C).
- Effective programming of actuation via photothermal heating.
Conclusions:
- The developed photocurable resin is suitable for 4D printing advanced SMPs.
- Customized 4D printed tools can be fabricated for soft robotics applications.
- Near-ambient temperature actuation is achievable, expanding the utility of SMPs in soft robotics.
