Magnetic Nickel-Phosphorus/Polymer Composite and Remotely Driven Three-Dimensional Micromachine Fabricated by Nanoplating and Two-Photon Polymerization

We have prepared and characterized nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P)/polymer composite and demonstrated a method for fabricating three-dimensional (3D) micromachines by combining two-photon polymerization (TPP) of polymer and electroless plating of Ni-P alloy to achieve high mechanical performance and remotely controllable capability. Ni-P electroless plating process has been optimized. The mechanical performance of the Ni-P/polymer composite film, such as the hardness and modulus, was improved to 1.74 and 34.93 GPa with a Ni-P alloy layer, respectively. The Ni-P alloy layer deposited on the surface of the 3D micromachine provides good response capability in the magnetic field. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate that the as-prepared magnetic 3D micromachine was able to be remotely manipulated expeditiously by the external magnetic field. This study would open up a broad prospect for developing remote manipulated 3D micro/nanomachine with excellent mechanical performance.