Abstract
Anisotropic friction generated by microstructured surfaces is crucial for performing functions such as directional locomotion and adhesion in biological systems. Hence, an epoxy-based shape memory polymer (SMP) incorporating Fe3O4 nanoparticles is used in this study to create a smart surface with oriented structures to mimic anisotropic friction and exploit human-developed controllable locomotion systems. Applying the specific properties of the epoxy-based SMP, fast switching friction can be achieved by adjusting the topography and stiffness of the microstructures on the surface. In addition, the photothermogenesis effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles induces changes in the asymmetric topography and stiffness on the SMP surface under the irradiation of near-infrared (NIR) light, thereby inducing a rapid switching of the friction force. Furthermore, a microbot is created to demonstrate remotely controlled locomotion, such as unidirectional and round-trip movements, and braking by switching the friction force under NIR light. These results are promising for the design of new intelligent surfaces and interfaces; additionally, they may facilitate the investigation of biological structures and processes.
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Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support received from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51775538 and 52005484), the Key Research Program of Frontier Sciences, CAS (QYZDY-SSW-JSC013), and the Oasis Scholar Project of Shihezi University. The authors also thank Dr. Bin LI at Technische Universität München for polishing the language and reviewing the manuscript.
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Zhongying JI. He received his B.S. degree in Taishan Medical University, China (2014). He got his Ph.D. degree in 2019 at the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics (LICP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). He is now a research assistant at the State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, LICP, CAS. His current research focuses on the 3D printed functional materials and 3D printed bionic surfaces used for anisotropic friction. His work has been published in more than 20 peer-reviewed papers with nearly 300 citations.
Shiyu QIN. He received his B.S. degree in 2018 from the North China Institute of Science and Technology (NCIST). He has been studying for his M.S. degree since 2018 at Shihezi University (SHZU). His main research interests focus on 3D printing high-performance polymers.
Shuanhong MA. He received his B.S. degree in Tianshui Normal University, China (2011). He got his Ph.D. degree in LICP, CAS (2016). Now, he is an associate professor at the State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, LICP, CAS. He has published over 60 papers, obtained more than 20 patents for invention, and received nearly 1,400 citations. He is a senior member of the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society (CMES) and the host of the Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program of CAST (2017QNRC0181). He is one of the main inventors for surface catalytic initiated radical polymerization (SCIRP) method in the world. His current research interests focus on the surface wet/lubricious modification, biolubrication and mechanical bionic tribology (basic research), and product development of lubricious materials & medical devices (application technology).
Xin JIA. He is a full professor in SHUZ. He joined the Shihezi University at 2009 after he got his Ph.D. degree in polymer chemistry and physics at Lanzhou University. During his period of Ph.D. study, he spent 18 months (2007–2008) at University of Montreal, Canada, for joint training. His research interests focus on design and application of agricultural functional material, controlled release technology, design and synthesis of functional polymers, and material interface modification. He has published more than 50 articles indexed by SCI.
Xiaolong WANG. He is a full professor at the LICP, CAS. He joined the LICP in 2007 after he got his Ph.D. degree with a major in polymer chemistry and physics at Lanzhou University. He spent a year (2010–2011) at Hong Kong Polytechnic University as a research associate and two years (2011–2013) at University of Western Ontario, Canada, as an adjunct professor. His research interests focus on 3D printing, biomimetic lubrication, functional soft materials, and flexible electronics. His work has been published in more than 90 peer-reviewed papers with a current h-index of 34.
Feng ZHOU. He is a full professor in LICP, CAS, China, and the director of State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, China. He gained his Ph.D. degree in 2004 and spent three years (2005–2008) in the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge as a research associate. He has published more than 300 journal papers that received more than 17,000 citations and has the high-index of 72. His research interests include the bioinspired tribology, biomimic surfaces/interfaces of soft matters, drag-reduction and antibiofouling, and functional coatings. He has gained a number of awards including “Outstanding Youth Award” of International Society of Bionic Engineering, 2013, and one National Award for Natural Sciences (the second class). He serves as an editorial board member of Tribology International, Journal of Fiber Bioengineering and Informatics, etc.
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Ji, Z., Qin, S., Ma, S. et al. Bio-inspired smart surface to achieve controllable locomotion through adjustable anisotropic friction. Friction 10, 1180–1191 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40544-021-0520-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40544-021-0520-6