Self‐Folded Gripper‐Like Architectures from Stimuli‐Responsive Bilayers

Journal Article · Tue Jun 19 00:00:00 EDT 2018 · Advanced Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201801669· OSTI ID:1454906

Abdullah, Arif M. ^[1]; Li, Xiuling ^[2]; Braun, Paul V. ^[3]; Rogers, John A. ^[4]; Hsia, K. Jimmy ^[5]

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1. Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana IL 61801 USA
2. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana IL 61801 USA
3. Department of Materials Science and Engineering Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana IL 61801 USA
4. Center for Bio‐Integrated Electronics Departments of Materials Science and Engineering Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Neurological Surgery Simpson Querrey Institute for Nano/Biotechnology McCormick School of Engineering Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University Evanston IL 60208 USA
5. Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA

Abstract Self‐folding microgrippers are an emerging class of smart structures that have widespread applications in medicine and micro/nanomanipulation. To achieve their functionalities, these architectures rely on spatially patterned hinges to transform into 3D configurations in response to an external stimulus. Incorporating hinges into the devices requires the processing of multiple layers which eventually increases the fabrication costs and actuation complexities. The goal of this work is to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve gripper‐like configurations in an on‐demand manner from simple planar bilayers that do not require hinges for their actuation. Finite element modeling of bilayers is performed to understand the mechanics behind their stimuli‐responsive shape transformation behavior. The model predictions are then experimentally validated and axisymmetric gripper‐like shapes are realized using millimeter‐scale poly(dimethylsiloxane) bilayers that undergo differential swelling in organic solvents. Owing to the nature of the computational scheme which is independent of length scales and material properties, the guidelines reported here would be applicable to a diverse array of gripping systems and functional devices. Thus, this work not only demonstrates a simple route to fabricate functional microgrippers but also contributes to self‐assembly in general.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: DE‐FG02‐07ER46471
• OSTI ID: 1454906
• Journal Information: Advanced Materials, Journal Name: Advanced Materials Vol. 30 Journal Issue: 31; ISSN 0935-9648
• Publisher: Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
• Country of Publication: Germany
• Language: English