Programmable micropatterned surface for single-layer homogeneous-polymer Janus actuator

Polymer actuators that can produce programmed deformations upon environmental stimulation (e.g., heat, light, electricity and chemical vapor) have attracted more attention due to their great potential in some emerging fields of soft robots, sensors, biomimetic devices, artificial muscles, etc. Unfortunately, interfacial failure is frequently happened in bilayer or multilayer actuators due to the poor compatibility between their heterogeneous components. Although some reported single-layer polymer actuators are free of such irritating interfacial failure, facile fabrication of such actuators remains a huge challenge. Herein, a facile but cost-effective strategy to fabricate single-layer homogeneous-polymer Janus actuator (SHJA) based on thermoplastic was proposed. With the help of vacuum-assisted hot-press molding, micro-ridge arrays were introduced onto homogeneous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film surface, enabling such micropatterned surface to swell asymmetrically and bend in controllable direction in acetone vapor. Such SHJA exhibits excellent actuation behaviors and durability. Interestingly, diversely biomimetic motions including wrapping and jumping can be realized, which highlights its promising potential for applications in soft robots, sensors, biomimetic devices and artificial muscles. Moreover, considering the facile preparation process, low-cost and recyclable substrate material, this approach can be easily scaled up for industrial production.

Automated summary

Polymer actuators are attracting more attention due to their potential in various emerging fields such as soft robots, sensors, biomimetic devices, and artificial muscles. A new cost-effective strategy was proposed to fabricate a single-layer homogeneous-polymer Janus actuator (SHJA) based on thermoplastic, which exhibited excellent actuation behaviors and durability, with diverse biomimetic motions and promising potential for industrial production.