[Advanced Intelligent Systems] Multi-field synergy manipulating soft polymeric hydrogel Transformers
writer：Dachuan Zhang, Jiawei Zhang*, YK Jian, BY Wu, HZ Yan, HH Lu, SX Wei, Si Wu*, QJ Xue , and Tao Chen*
keywords：shape memory hydrogel; multi-field synergy; hydrogel Transformers; magnetic manipulation; self-healing
source：期刊
specific source：Advanced Intelligent Systems, 2021, 3, 2000208
Issue time：2021年
Transformers are imaginary hard robots that could deform into various shapes according to external circumstances, and the development of intelligent soft Transformers is of great interest. Herein, we propose a novel remotely controlled soft Transformers based on a shape memory hydrogel system. The hydrogel is obtained by embedding Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles into a poly(N-(2-hydroxyethyl) acrylamide)-gelatin double network structure. The reversible coil triple helix transformation of gelatin renders the hydrogel with shape memory and self-healing behaviors. The introduction of Fe3O4 nanoparticles provides both photothermal heating and magnetic manipulation functions. The hydrogel could deform or navigation in a magnetic field, and the deformed shape could be fixed and shape recovery could also be accomplished with the assistance of light irradiation. Taking advantage of the magnetically driven actuation and light assisted shape memory, remotely controlled shape memory process could be accomplished. Moreover, a series of soft robots, including hydrogel athlete which can do sit-ups, hydrogel Transformers that can deform and navigate through a maze, hydrogel space station and hydrogel spacecraft that can be docked in the air, have been fabricated. This work will inspire the design and fabrication of novel smart polymer systems with synergistic functions.