Stimuli-induced bi-directional hydrogel unimorph actuators
Abstract(#br)Stimuli responsive hydrogels may be promising materials for shape transforming structures due to their ability to deform significantly in response to an environmental stimulus without the need for external power. It is well-known that by laminating swelling hydrogels and non-swelling flexible materials, such as inert elastomers, bending actuation can be achieved. In this work, we report an improved hydrogel-elastomer bonding process and demonstrate the utility of the process with a stimuli-induced bi-directional hydrogel unimorph actuator.