Biodegradable Humidity Actuators for Sustainable Soft Robotics using Deliquescent Hydrogels

Alexander G Keller, Qiukai Qi*, Yogeenth Kumaresan, Andrew T Conn, Jonathan M Rossiter

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

5 Citations (Scopus)
101 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Intelligent materials offer new avenues when designing sustainable robotics as they allow for the creation of dynamic constructs which react autonomously to changes in the environment, such as humidity. Here we present a novel humidity actuator which exploits the unique property of deliquescent salts to allow for the spontaneous rehydration of hydrogels in ambient environments. By soaking a 2% w/v alginate, 3% w/v Agar composite in 1M calcium chloride, an intelligent humidity-driven actuator was developed. The hydrogel was able to gain 73.8±7.1% of its weight from a dehydrated state in just 6 hours through water absorption from ambient air. Using this novel formulation, linear and bilayer bending actuators were constructed. In addition to this, a biodegradable deliquescence-actuated artificial flower was demonstrated, highlighting this material's potential to act as an intelligent humidity actuator for the construction of environmentally-reactive biomimetic sustainable robotics.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2023 IEEE 6th International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft)
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9798350332223
ISBN (Print)9798350332230
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 May 2023
Event6th IEEE-RAS International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft) - Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, Singapore
Duration: 3 Apr 20237 Apr 2023
https://softroboticsconference.org/

Publication series

NameIEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft)
PublisherIEEE
ISSN (Print)2769-4526
ISSN (Electronic)2769-4534

Conference

Conference6th IEEE-RAS International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft)
Abbreviated titleRoboSoft 2023
Country/TerritorySingapore
CitySingapore
Period3/04/237/04/23
Internet address

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