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Chemical Gradients in Polymer-Modified Paper Sheets — Towards Single-Layer Biomimetic Soft Robots

Schäfer, Jan-Lukas ; Meckel, Tobias ; Poppinga, Simon ; Biesalski, Markus (2023)
Chemical Gradients in Polymer-Modified Paper Sheets — Towards Single-Layer Biomimetic Soft Robots.
In: Biomimetics, 2023, 8 (1)
doi: 10.26083/tuprints-00023169
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Item Type: Article
Type of entry: Secondary publication
Title: Chemical Gradients in Polymer-Modified Paper Sheets — Towards Single-Layer Biomimetic Soft Robots
Language: English
Date: 6 February 2023
Place of Publication: Darmstadt
Year of primary publication: 2023
Publisher: MDPI
Journal or Publication Title: Biomimetics
Volume of the journal: 8
Issue Number: 1
Collation: 24 Seiten
DOI: 10.26083/tuprints-00023169
Corresponding Links:
Origin: Secondary publication DeepGreen
Abstract:

Biomimetic actuators are typically constructed as functional bi- or multilayers, where actuating and resistance layers together dictate bending responses upon triggering by environmental stimuli. Inspired by motile plant structures, like the stems of the false rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla), we introduce polymer-modified paper sheets that can act as soft robotic single-layer actuators capable of hygro-responsive bending reactions. A tailored gradient modification of the paper sheet along its thickness entails increased dry and wet tensile strength and allows at the same time for hygro-responsiveness. For the fabrication of such single-layer paper devices, the adsorption behavior of a cross-linkable polymer to cellulose fiber networks was first evaluated. By using different concentrations and drying procedures fine-tuned polymer gradients throughout the thickness can be achieved. Due to the covalent cross-linking of polymer with fibers, these paper samples possess significantly increased dry and wet tensile strength properties. We furthermore investigated these gradient papers with respect to a mechanical deflection during humidity cycling. The highest humidity sensitivity is achieved using eucalyptus paper with a grammage of 150 g m⁻² modified with the polymer dissolved in IPA (~13 wt%) possessing a polymer gradient. Our study presents a straightforward approach for the design of novel hygroscopic, paper-based single-layer actuators, which have a high potential for diverse soft robotic and sensor applications.

Uncontrolled Keywords: cellulose, fiber, sheet, polymer adsorption, humidity actuated devices, directed transport, wet strength, biomimetics
Status: Publisher's Version
URN: urn:nbn:de:tuda-tuprints-231690
Classification DDC: 500 Science and mathematics > 540 Chemistry
500 Science and mathematics > 570 Life sciences, biology
Divisions: 07 Department of Chemistry > Ernst-Berl-Institut > Fachgebiet Makromolekulare Chemie > Macromolecular and paper chemistry
Date Deposited: 06 Feb 2023 13:20
Last Modified: 14 Nov 2023 19:05
SWORD Depositor: Deep Green
URI: https://tuprints.ulb.tu-darmstadt.de/id/eprint/23169
PPN: 505732793
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