Multipolar spatial electric field modulation for freeform electroactive hydrogel actuation.

ABSTRACT: Electroactive hydrogels that exhibit large deformation in response to an electric field have received significant attention as a potential actuating material for soft actuators and artificial muscle. However, their mechanical actuation has been limited in simple bending or folding due to uniform electric field modulation. To implement complex movements, a pre-program, such as a hinge and a multilayer pattern, is usually required for the actuator in advance. Here, we propose a reprogrammable actuating method and sophisticated manipulation by using multipolar three-dimensional electric field modulation without pre-program. Through the multipolar spatial electric field modulator, which controls the polarity/intensity of the electric field in three-dimensions, complex three-dimensional (3D) ac

SUBMITTER: Choi MY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7015902 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature