Soft Magnetic Artificial Muscles with High Work Density and Actuation Strain via Dual Cross-Linking Design

This study reports the development of soft magnetic artificial muscles (SMAMs) that achieve high work density and large actuation strain through a dual-network elastomer architecture combining magnetically responsive fillers with a mechanically robust polymer matrix. The authors engineered composite elastomers that exhibit enhanced magnetic actuation performance while maintaining high toughness and elastic recovery. Mechanical characterization demonstrated that the dual-network design significantly improves tensile strength, extensibility, and energy output compared to single-network magnetic elastomers. Actuation experiments under applied magnetic fields showed large reversible deformations and repeatable work output, positioning these materials as promising candidates for soft robotic actuators and magnetically driven artificial muscle systems.