Sequential Self-folding of Nanocomposite Hydrogel/Elastomer Layers
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초록
내용
Sequential self-folding ability is of great interest due to its potential to achieve task-specific shape transformation with complex final configuration. While different types of shape memory polymers have been integrated to achieve sequential folding, using a single material system can greatly simplify the fabrication process and improve structural integrity. Here, we develop reversible and sequential self-folding hydrogel/elastomer layers by controlling the microphase segregation of a temperature-responsive nanocomposite hydrogel. We show that the phase segregation of the nanocomposite hydrogels can be induced during crosslinking, leading to different swelling and deswelling kinetics. We anticipate this strategy for creating sequential self-folding without changing the material composition will suggest a rich area for fundamental studies and open a new avenue for developing autonomous soft actuators and robots with more complex geometries.