Advanced Fiber Materials, Volume. 6, Issue 3, 00399(2024)

Bio-imitative Synergistic Color-Changing and Shape-Morphing Elastic Fibers with a Liquid Metal Core

Seonwoo Mun1, Sangmin Lee1, Kwak Jin Bae2, Yejin Bae1, Hye-Min Lee3, Byung-Joo Kim4, Jaesang Yu2, and Sungjune Park5、*
Author Affiliations
  • 1Department of Nano Convergence Engineering, Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
  • 2Institute of Advanced Composite Materials, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Chudong-Ro 92, Bongdong-Eup, Wanju-Gun, 55324 Jeollabukdo, Korea
  • 3R&BD Group 1, Industrialization Division, Korea Carbon Industry Promotion Agency, Jeonju 54853, Republic of Korea
  • 4Department of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Jeonju University, Jeonju 55069, Republic of Korea
  • 5School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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    The systematic integration of color-changing and shape-morphing abilities into entirely soft devices is a compelling strategy for creating adaptive camouflage, electronic skin, and wearable healthcare devices. In this study, we developed soft actuators capable of color change and programmable shape morphing using elastic fibers with a liquid metal core. Once the hollow elastic fiber with the thermochromic pigment was fabricated, liquid metal (gallium) was injected into the core of the fiber. Gallium has a relatively low melting point (29.8 °C); thus, fluidity and metallic conductivity are preserved while strained. The fiber can change color by Joule heating upon applying a current through the liquid metal core and can also be actuated by the Lorentz force caused by the interaction between the external magnetic field and the magnetic field generated around the liquid metal core when a current is applied. Based on this underlying principle, we demonstrated unique geometrical actuations, including flower-like blooming, winging butterflies, and the locomotion of coil-shaped fibers. The color-changing and shape-morphing elastic fiber actuators presented in this study can be utilized in artificial skin, soft robotics, and actuators.

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    Seonwoo Mun, Sangmin Lee, Kwak Jin Bae, Yejin Bae, Hye-Min Lee, Byung-Joo Kim, Jaesang Yu, Sungjune Park. Bio-imitative Synergistic Color-Changing and Shape-Morphing Elastic Fibers with a Liquid Metal Core[J]. Advanced Fiber Materials, 2024, 6(3): 00399

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    Paper Information

    Category: Research Articles

    Received: Oct. 1, 2023

    Accepted: Feb. 19, 2024

    Published Online: Jul. 31, 2024

    The Author Email: Sungjune Park (sungjunepark@skku.edu)

    DOI:10.1007/s42765-024-00399-4

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