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

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 (), Yonggang Huang (), Heling Wang () and John A. Rogers ()
Additional contact information
Xinchen Ni: Northwestern University
Haiwen Luan: Northwestern University
Jin-Tae Kim: Northwestern University
Sam I. Rogge: Northwestern University
Yun Bai: Northwestern University
Jean Won Kwak: 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
Yonggang Huang: Northwestern University
Heling Wang: Northwestern University
John A. Rogers: Northwestern University

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31092-y

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