Processing soft thin films on liquid surface for seamless creation of on-liquid walkable devices.

ABSTRACT: Walking on liquid surface is a unique locomotion ability of insects, but engineering on-liquid walkable devices currently requires disjointed, multistage fabrication and delicate deployment. Here, we introduce HydroSpread-a direct processing technology that enables seamless fabrication and patterning of soft films on liquid surface. It leverages the controlled spreading of liquid ink on liquid surface and combines with precise laser engraving supported by rapid heat transfer at the solid-liquid interface. Geometric shapes, including basic forms of straight lines, sharp turns and circles, and complex patterns, were fabricated with exceptional fidelity to design specifications. We propose two heat-driven hydrodynamic locomotion mechanisms, fin-like bending and leg-like buckling. By harnessin

SUBMITTER: Chen Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12459411 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature