4D Printed Actuators with Soft-Robotic Functions

López-Valdeolivas, M. ; Liu, D. ; Broer, D.J. ; Sánchez-Somolinos, C. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Soft matter elements undergoing programed, reversible shape change can contribute to fundamental advance in areas such as optics, medicine, microfluidics, and robotics. Crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers have demonstrated huge potential to implement soft responsive elements; however, the complexity and size of the actuators are limited by the current dominant thin-film geometry processing toolbox. Using 3D printing, stimuli-responsive liquid crystalline elastomeric structures are created here. The printing process prescribes a reversible shape-morphing behavior, offering a new paradigm for active polymer system preparation. The additive character of this technology also leads to unprecedented geometries, complex functions, and sizes beyond those of typical thin-films. The fundamental concepts and devices presented therefore overcome the current limitations of actuation energy available from thin-films, thereby narrowing the gap between materials and practical applications.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1002/marc.201700710

Año: 2018

Publicado en: Macromolecular Rapid Communications 39, 5 (2018), 1700710 [7 pp]
ISSN: 1022-1336

Factor impacto JCR: 4.078 (2018)

Categ. JCR: POLYMER SCIENCE rank: 9 / 86 = 0.105 (2018) - Q1 - T1

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 1.31 - Materials Chemistry (Q1) - Polymers and Plastics (Q1) - Organic Chemistry (Q1)

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MINECO/SAF2014-54763-C2-2-R

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Física Materia Condensada (Dpto. Física Materia Condensa.)