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Amoeba-like self-oscillating polymeric fluids with autonomous sol-gel transition

Author

Listed:
  • Michika Onoda

    (School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)

  • Takeshi Ueki

    (National Institute for Materials Science)

  • Ryota Tamate

    (School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)

  • Mitsuhiro Shibayama

    (Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa)

  • Ryo Yoshida

    (School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)

Abstract

In the field of polymer science, many kinds of polymeric material systems that show a sol-gel transition have been created. However, most systems are unidirectional stimuli-responsive systems that require physical signals such as a change in temperature. Here, we report on the design of a block copolymer solution that undergoes autonomous and periodic sol-gel transition under constant conditions without any on–off switching through external stimuli. The amplitude of this self-oscillation of the viscosity is about 2,000 mPa s. We also demonstrate an intermittent forward motion of a droplet of the polymer solution synchronized with the autonomous sol-gel transition. This polymer solution bears the potential to become the base for a type of slime-like soft robot that can transform its shape kaleidoscopically and move autonomously, which is associated with the living amoeba that moves forward by a repeated sol-gel transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Michika Onoda & Takeshi Ueki & Ryota Tamate & Mitsuhiro Shibayama & Ryo Yoshida, 2017. "Amoeba-like self-oscillating polymeric fluids with autonomous sol-gel transition," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-8, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms15862
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15862
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