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Abstract Precise manipulation of nanomaterials has shown great potential in facilitating the fabrication of functional hydrogel nanocomposites in applications such as soft robotics, biomedicine, structural health monitoring, and wearable sensing. Surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based acoustofluidics offers a contactless approach for nanoparticle manipulation. Meanwhile, digital light processing (DLP) has been extensively utilized in the hydrogel printing process due to its high-resolution fabrication capabilities. This study presents an innovative SAW acoustofluidics-assisted DLP system, enabling the patterning of nanoparticles embedded in matrix materials while facilitating programmed light exposure for the controllable photopolymerization of customized hydrogel nanocomposites. Instead of utilizing the acoustic potential field generated by SAWs, we leverage the accompanying electric field due to the piezoelectric effect of the lithium niobate (LiNbO3) substrate to generate electric field, enabling the electric field-driven patterning of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) Laser Doppler vibrometry confirms the SAW-generated acoustic intensity fields. The analytical simulation together with the scanned data predicted the co-current electric field predicted the distribution of MWCNTs. By applying a programmed light pattern, we successfully fabricated hydrogel nanocomposites in the shape of a VT logo and produced hydrogel nanocomposite sensors. The capabilities of printed hydrogel nanocomposite sensors were demonstrated through beam vibration sensing, proving its potential application in structural health monitoring. The fabricated sensors demonstrated the capability to track finger movements, indicating their potential for wearable sensing applications. In summary, this study offers a unique approach for nanocomposites fabricating multi-material integration and material anisotropy control, thereby facilitating advanced smart material development. Future work will focus on exploring the fabrication of hydrogels containing other types of nanomaterials to enhance material conductivity and achieve other functions, aiming with the goal of developing nanocomposite sensors for applications in soft robotics, biomedicine, structural health monitoring, and wearable sensing.
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This content will become publicly available on September 8, 2026
Surface Acoustic Wave Acoustofluidics-Assisted Digital Light Processing for 4D Printing of Smart Hydrogels
Abstract The development of smart materials capable of dynamic shape morphing and rapid responsiveness has garnered significant interest for applications in soft robotics, tissue engineering, programmable materials, and adaptive structures. Hydrogels, owing to their intrinsic biocompatibility and flexibility, are promising candidates for such systems. Embedding micro-scale materials within hydrogel networks can further enhance their mechanical and functional properties. In this study, we present a hybrid fabrication platform that integrates surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based acoustofluidics with digital light processing (DLP) photopolymerization to fabricate smart hydrogel composites with programmable shape-memorable behavior. Using the SAW-induced acoustic potential field, silicon carbide (SiC) micro-whiskers are aligned within a custom UV-curable hydrogel ink and subsequently fixed via high-resolution DLP photopolymerization. This dual-control approach enables independent manipulation of micro-whisker orientation and structural geometry. Numerical simulations and Laser Doppler vibrometry-based validation were employed to characterize the acoustic field. To evaluate shape-memory behavior, the fabricated hydrogels were subjected to dehydration and rehydration cycles. The resulting shape transformations, driven by internal stress gradients within the aligned microparticle framework, enabled humidity-responsive actuation. This work establishes a novel strategy for constructing 4D-printed smart hydrogels, offering a versatile platform for the development of next-generation programmable materials and adaptive structures.
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- PAR ID:
- 10657174
- Publisher / Repository:
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Date Published:
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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