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

Author

Listed:
  • Xinchen Ni

    (Northwestern University)

  • Haiwen Luan

    (Northwestern University)

  • Jin-Tae Kim

    (Northwestern University)

  • Sam I. Rogge

    (Northwestern University)

  • Yun Bai

    (Northwestern University
    Northwestern University
    Duke University)

  • Jean Won Kwak

    (Northwestern University
    Northwestern University)

  • Shangliangzi Liu

    (Northwestern University)

  • Da Som Yang

    (Northwestern University)

  • Shuo Li

    (Northwestern University)

  • Shupeng Li

    (Northwestern University)

  • Zhengwei Li

    (Northwestern University)

  • Yamin Zhang

    (Northwestern University)

  • Changsheng Wu

    (Northwestern University)

  • Xiaoyue Ni

    (Northwestern University
    Duke University
    Duke University)

  • Yonggang Huang

    (Northwestern University
    Northwestern University
    Northwestern University
    Northwestern University)

  • Heling Wang

    (Northwestern University
    Northwestern University
    Northwestern University)

  • John A. Rogers

    (Northwestern University
    Northwestern University
    Northwestern University
    Northwestern University)

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 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinchen Ni & Haiwen Luan & Jin-Tae Kim & Sam I. Rogge & Yun Bai & Jean Won Kwak & Shangliangzi Liu & Da Som Yang & Shuo Li & Shupeng Li & Zhengwei Li & Yamin Zhang & Changsheng Wu & Xiaoyue Ni & Yongg, 2022. "Soft shape-programmable surfaces by fast electromagnetic actuation of liquid metal networks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-31092-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31092-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    1. Siqi An & Xiaowen Li & Zengrong Guo & Yi Huang & Yanlin Zhang & Hanqing Jiang, 2024. "Energy-efficient dynamic 3D metasurfaces via spatiotemporal jamming interleaved assemblies for tactile interfaces," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. B. K. Johnson & M. Naris & V. Sundaram & A. Volchko & K. Ly & S. K. Mitchell & E. Acome & N. Kellaris & C. Keplinger & N. Correll & J. S. Humbert & M. E. Rentschler, 2023. "A multifunctional soft robotic shape display with high-speed actuation, sensing, and control," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Yuanxi Zhang & Chengfeng Pan & Pengfei Liu & Lelun Peng & Zhouming Liu & Yuanyuan Li & Qingyuan Wang & Tong Wu & Zhe Li & Carmel Majidi & Lelun Jiang, 2023. "Coaxially printed magnetic mechanical electrical hybrid structures with actuation and sensing functionalities," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, December.

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