Directional Anisotropy in Smart Magnetic Actuation

Abstract:
Magnetoactive shape morphing soft magnetic materials (MASMA) are comprised of a soft polymer matrix impregnated with magnetic particles that display multifunctionality in the magnetic field. The arrangement and magnetization direction of the magnetic particles in the polymer matrix play a pivotal role in defining the deformation direction and actuation capacity. The traditional molding fabrication technique of shape programming is a tedious and complex process, and the requirement of a specifically shaped mold limits the applications of the MASMA. A particle arrangement pattern responsible for the generation of different shapes is studied, and thus, a pattern-mimicking strategy is developed to generate the desired shape to eradicate the need for a mold. The actuator generates the required shape in the magnetic field due to the magnetostriction effect. Results show that we can generate many shapes by controlling the direction of the magnetic moment by arranging the magnetic brick units in different arrangements.