PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

2023

Programmable nanocomposites of cellulose nanocrystals and zwitterionic hydrogels for soft robotics

Nasseri R, Bouzari N, et al.

Nature Communications

University of Waterloo, University of Stuttgart

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study developed zwitterionic hydrogel nanocomposites reinforced with shear-aligned cellulose nanocrystals to enable programmable anisotropy, self-healing, and shape-morphing behavior for soft robotic applications. By controlling nanocrystal orientation, the materials exhibited direction-dependent swelling and mechanical properties that translated into complex, reversible actuation modes. Demonstrations included soft robotic grippers and untethered actuators, highlighting the potential of mechanically programmable hydrogels for adaptive soft robotic systems.

Uniaxial tensile testing was performed using a CellScale UniVert to characterize the mechanical properties of zwitterionic hydrogel nanocomposites. Tensile tests were conducted along directions parallel and perpendicular to cellulose nanocrystal alignment to quantify elastic modulus, tensile strength, anisotropy, and mechanical recovery after damage. These measurements established the structure–property relationships underlying programmable actuation behavior in the soft robotic materials.

AUTHORS

Rasool Nasseri, Negin Bouzari, Junting Huang, Hossein Golzar, Sarah Jankhani, Xiaowu (Shirley) Tang, Tizazu H. Mekonnen, Amirreza Aghakhani, Hamed Shahsavan.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Nature Communications

YEAR

2023

INSTITUTIONS

University of Waterloo, University of Stuttgart

COUNTRIES

Canada, Germany

INSTRUMENT USED

UniVert

TESTING METHODS

Tensile Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Hydrogel Mechanical TestingSoft Robotics MaterialsStimuli Responsive Hydrogels Characterization

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