TAGS: 3D Printing Electrical & Electronics Nanotechnologies
Rutgers engineers have created a 3D-printed smart gel that changes shape when exposed to light inspired by the color-changing skin of cuttlefish, octopuses and squids. The smart gel becomes “artificial muscle” and may lead to new military camouflage, soft robotics and flexible displays.
3D Printable Hydrogel with Nanomaterial
Rutgers engineers have developed a 3D printable hydrogel, or smart gel, that senses light and changes shape as a result. Hydrogels, which keep their shape and stay solid despite containing water, are found in the human body, Jell-O, diapers and contact lenses, among many examples.
The engineers incorporated a light-sensing nanomaterial in the hydrogel, turning it into an “artificial muscle” that contracts in response to changes in light. The light-sensing smart gel, combined with the 3D-printed stretchy material, changes color, resulting in a camouflage effect.
New Approach Featuring Camouflage
Electronic displays are everywhere and despite remarkable advances, such as becoming thinner, larger and brighter, they’re based on rigid materials, limiting the shapes they can take and how they interface with 3D surfaces. The research supports a new engineering approach featuring camouflage that can be added to soft materials and create flexible, colorful displays.
The invention is modeled after the amazing ability of cephalopods such as cuttlefish, octopuses and squids to change the color and texture of their soft skin for camouflage and communication. This is achieved by the thousands of color-changing cells, called chromatophores, in their skin.
Next steps include improving the technology’s sensitivity, response time, scalability, packaging and durability.
Source: Rutgers University