Modeling programmable deformation of self-folding all-polymer structures with temperature-sensitive hydrogels

Combining
soft active hydrogels with hard passive polymers gives rise to all-polymer
composites. The hydrogel is sensitive to external stimuli while the passive
polymer is inert. Utilizing the different behaviors of two materials subject to
environmental variation, for example temperature, results in self-folding soft
machines. We report our efforts to model the programmable deformation of
self-folding structures with temperature-sensitive hydrogels. The self-folding
structures are realized either by constructing a bilayer structure or by
incorporating hydrogels as hinges. The methodology and the results may aid the
design, control, and fabrication of 3D complex structures from 2D simple
configurations through self-assembly.