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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Microfluidic Fabrication of Polymeric and Biohybrid Fibers with Predesigned Size and Shape
Published on: January 8, 2014
Microfluidic Spun Self-Healable Janus-Core Composite Microfibers as Smart Fiber Actuators
Xiangchu Cao1, Ran Chen1, Zhisong Wang1
1Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Flow Measurement Technology, China Jiliang University, Xueyuan Street 258, Hangzhou 310018, China.
Researchers developed Janus-core composite microfibers (JCCMFs) that act as smart actuators. These microfibers offer rapid near-infrared-driven bending and fast self-healing capabilities for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Smart Materials
- Actuators and Sensors
Background:
- Smart fiber actuators enable intelligent responses to environmental stimuli.
- Existing actuators often lack self-healing properties and require adhesives for assembly.
- Need for durable, easily assembled actuators with integrated sensing capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate Janus-core composite microfibers (JCCMFs) with self-sensing and intelligent actuation.
- To investigate the near-infrared (NIR)-driven actuation and self-healing properties of JCCMFs.
- To explore the potential of JCCMFs as hybrid smart actuators for touch sensitivity and microtexture recognition.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Janus-core composite microfibers (JCCMFs) using a microfluidic process.
- Characterization of NIR-driven bending performance and self-healing kinetics.
- Evaluation of piezoresistive properties for sensing applications.
Main Results:
- JCCMFs demonstrated rapid NIR-driven bending within 6 seconds.
- Fast self-healing of JCCMFs was achieved within 5 minutes, enhancing durability.
- JCCMFs exhibited potential piezoresistive abilities, enabling hybrid smart actuator functions.
Conclusions:
- The developed JCCMFs offer a promising platform for advanced smart actuators.
- Self-healing capability simplifies assembly and improves actuator longevity.
- Hybrid functionality opens avenues for applications in touch sensing and microtexture recognition.
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