Ultra-fast and multi-responsive anisotropic nanofibrous actuator with remote control

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Robotics
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Soft actuators face challenges in achieving high performance, including multimodal responsiveness, ultrafast actuation, and programmable deformation.
• Existing hydrogel and elastomer-based actuators often exhibit compromised functionality, slow response times, and complex fabrication.
• Limitations hinder the development of advanced soft robotic systems with biomimetic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an anisotropic nanofibrous actuator platform that overcomes limitations of conventional soft actuators.
• To integrate multimodal responsiveness, ultrafast actuation, and programmable deformation into a single soft robotic system.
• To demonstrate a scalable fabrication approach for advanced soft actuators.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an anisotropic nanofibrous actuator platform using electrospinning.
• Integration of three independent actuation mechanisms: thermoresponsive P(NIPAM-co-ABP), photothermal gold nanoparticles, and pH-sensitive P(DEAEMA-co-MMA-co-ABP).
• Utilizing a bilayer configuration and precise fiber alignment for programmable directional bending and differential swelling.

Main Results:

• The actuator demonstrated ultrafast actuation speeds (<0.3 s for 360°), surpassing conventional hydrogel systems.
• Rapid responsiveness was maintained in air (4 s for 35°).
• The nanofibrous architecture provided mechanical robustness, supporting loads up to 178 times its own mass.

Conclusions:

• The developed actuator platform addresses critical challenges in soft robotics through a synergistic combination of materials and architecture.
• The design enables multimodal environmental responsiveness, ultrafast actuation kinetics, and programmable deformation control.
• This work offers a versatile materials platform and scalable fabrication approach for advanced soft robotic systems.