Soft shape-programmable surfaces by fast electromagnetic actuation of liquid metal networks.

ABSTRACT: Low modulus materials that can shape-morph into different three-dimensional (3D) configurations in response to external stimuli have wide-ranging applications in flexible/stretchable electronics, surgical instruments, soft machines and soft robotics. This paper reports a shape-programmable system that exploits liquid metal microfluidic networks embedded in an elastomer matrix, with electromagnetic forms of actuation, to achieve a unique set of properties. Specifically, this materials structure is capable of fast, continuous morphing into a diverse set of continuous, complex 3D surfaces starting from a two-dimensional (2D) planar configuration, with fully reversible operation. Computational, multi-physics modeling methods and advanced 3D imaging techniques enable rapid, real-time transforma

SUBMITTER: Ni X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9508113 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature