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

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

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 th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature communications Vol. 13; no. 1; pp. 5576 - 9
Main Authors: Ni, Xinchen, Luan, Haiwen, Kim, Jin-Tae, Rogge, Sam I., Bai, Yun, Kwak, Jean Won, Liu, Shangliangzi, Yang, Da Som, Li, Shuo, Li, Shupeng, Li, Zhengwei, Zhang, Yamin, Wu, Changsheng, Ni, Xiaoyue, Huang, Yonggang, Wang, Heling, Rogers, John A.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 23-09-2022
Nature Publishing Group
Nature Portfolio
Subjects:
639/166/988
639/301/1005/1006
639/301/1019/1015
639/301/923/1028
639/624/1075/146
Actuation
Casting
Computer applications
Configurations
Elastomers
External stimuli
Humanities and Social Sciences
Imaging techniques
Liquid metals
Liquid-solid transition
Medical instruments
Metals
Microfluidics
Morphing
multidisciplinary
Networks
Phase transitions
Robotics
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Stimuli
Surgical instruments
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Summary: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 transformations between target shapes. The liquid-solid phase transition of the liquid metal allows for shape fixation and reprogramming on demand. An unusual vibration insensitive, dynamic 3D display screen serves as an application example of this type of morphable surface. Low modulus materials that can change shape in response to external stimuli are promising for a wide range of applications. The authors here introduce a shape-reprogrammable construct, based on liquid metal microfluidic networks and electromagnetic actuation, that supports a unique collection of capabilities.
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ISSN:2041-1723
2041-1723
DOI:10.1038/s41467-022-31092-y