The Journal of Chemical Physics,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
161(7)
Published: Aug. 15, 2024
Magnetic
gels
with
embedded
micro-/nano-sized
magnetic
particles
in
cross-linked
polymer
networks
can
be
actuated
by
external
fields,
changes
their
internal
microscopic
structures
and
macroscopic
mechanical
properties.
We
investigate
the
responses
of
such
to
an
field,
means
coarse-grained
molecular
dynamics
simulations.
find
that
are
determined
interplay
dipole–dipole
interactions,
elasticity,
thermal
fluctuations.
The
corresponding
formed
particles,
as
elongated
chains,
controlled
field.
Furthermore,
exhibit
reinforced
properties,
where
elastic
modulus
increases
algebraically
moments
form
∝(m−mc)2
when
chains
formed.
This
simulation
work
not
only
serve
a
tool
for
studying
gels,
but
also
facilitate
future
fabrications
practical
controls
composites
desired
physical
Advanced Sustainable Systems,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Feb. 14, 2025
Abstract
The
chemical
and
physical
stability
of
bio‐hydrogels
are
utmost
interest
to
avoid
the
premature
degradation
polymer
favor
cyclic
material
operations
(i.e.,
recovery
re‐using).
In
this
work,
different
alginate
hydrogels
semi‐interpenetrated
with
poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene
sulfonate
conducting
(Alg/PEDOT),
which
acts
as
a
photothermal
absorber
is
examined.
More
specifically,
behavior
Alg/PEDOT
ionically
covalently
crosslinked
Ca
2+
ions
glyoxal,
respectively,
has
been
compared
when
used
water
purification
platforms.
homogenous
porosity
higher
cycling
capacity
glyoxal‐crosslinked
gels
provide
superior
performance
for
water‐steam
generation
under
sunlight
irradiation
than
that
stabilized
gel.
Furthermore,
increasing
glyoxal
cross‐linking
reaction
time
prove
have
little
effect
on
efficiency
freshwater
supply
from
an
artificial
seawater
solution.
Covalent
cross‐links
thermal
(PEDOT:PSS)
retention
in
seawater,
critical
maintaining
such
number
cycles.
This
research
opens
new
frontiers
promote
use
biopolymer
engineering
processes
desalination,
directly
addressing
United
Nations
Sustainable
Development
Goals
Clean
Water
&
Life
Land.
Macromolecular Materials and Engineering,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: March 5, 2025
Abstract
Magnetic
inks
are
presented
for
direct
ink
writing
(DIW),
a
3D
printing
technique,
yielding
magnetic
hydrogel
actuators.
To
obtain
the
shear‐thinning
and
thixotropic
behavior
needed
DIW,
rheology
modifier
laponite
is
used.
This
additive
ensures
suitable
rheological
properties
dispersion
of
iron
oxide
nanoparticles
The
base
formulation
consists
acrylamide
as
monomer,
N,N’‐methylenbisacrylamide
cross‐linker,
ammonium
persulphate
thermal
initiator.
concentration
varies
from
1.5
to
6.9
mass%,
effect
on
viscosity,
properties,
printability
system
investigated.
Starting
at
3.8
mass%
laponite,
sufficiently
stabilized
prevent
sedimentation.
viscosity
can
be
tuned
over
almost
two
orders
magnitude,
with
an
optimum
4.6
laponite.
printed
precursors
cross‐linked
thermally
50
°C.
Thus,
magneto‐responsive
prototypes
soft
robotics
applications
obtained.
advantages
that
low
mass
percentage
needed,
number
polymeric
components
reduced,
obtained
hydrogels
mechanically
stable.
Laponite‐containing
easy
handle
therefore
also
used
in
non‐specialist
laboratories.
Advanced Intelligent Systems,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: April 1, 2025
Soft
robotics
is
an
attractive
and
rapidly
emerging
field,
in
which
actuation
coupled
with
the
elastic
response
of
robot's
structure
to
achieve
complex
deformation
patterns.
A
crucial
challenge
need
for
multiple
control
inputs,
adds
significant
complication
system.
novel
concept
single‐input
actuator
proposed,
composes
interconnected
bistable
elements.
Dynamic
predesigned
differences
between
elements
are
exploited
facilitate
any
desired
multistate
transition
using
a
single
dynamic
input.
Formulation
analysis
system's
dynamics
pre‐design
its
equilibrium
states,
as
well
their
stability,
shown.
Then,
fabrication
demonstration
done
experimentally
on
two‐
four‐element
actuators,
where
latter
can
transitions
up
48
states.
This
work
paves
way
next‐generation
soft
robotic
actuators
minimal
maximal
dexterity.
Microstructures,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
5(3)
Published: April 17, 2025
Responsive
materials
exhibit
intelligence
through
their
intrinsic
ability
to
autonomously
sense
and
respond
external
stimuli.
These
have
the
potential
form
robotic
swarms
characterized
by
high
flexibility,
robust
scalability,
fault
tolerance.
Among
various
responsive
materials,
hydrogels
liquid
crystalline
polymers
are
particularly
advantageous
due
capability
for
reversible
morphological
transformations
in
response
stimuli,
including
light,
heat,
electric
field,
magnetic
field.
While
numerous
reviews
summarized
swarm
robotics,
a
comprehensive
analysis
of
aggregation
behaviors
hydrogel-
crystal-based
polymer
systems
remains
lacking.
This
review
addresses
this
gap
examining
(sub)millimeter-scale
robots,
fundamental
mechanical
properties
following
assembly,
respective
advantages
limitations
these
robotics.
Additionally,
future
research
directions
emerging
field
discussed.
Journal of Materials Chemistry A,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
12(13), P. 7549 - 7563
Published: Jan. 1, 2024
Magnetic
gels
are
usually
organic
polymer–inorganic
particle
hybrids.
We
show
that
magnetic
with
high
lubricity,
self-healing,
chemical
degradability,
and
flame
irradiation
resistances
can
be
prepared
solely
Fe
3
O
4
particles
water.
Advanced Functional Materials,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Oct. 21, 2024
Abstract
Reaping
the
benefits
of
burgeoning
investigation
gels
in
recent
decades,
flexible
electronics
based
on
conductive
have
been
extensively
explored.
Gels
consisting
polymer
networks
and
solvents
provide
ideal
platforms
for
fabricating
due
to
their
soft
mechanical
nature,
excellent
biocompatibility,
water‐like
environment,
ease
processing.
The
majority
investigations
primarily
focus
functionalities
such
as
sensing
capability,
energy
density,
luminance,
fluctuating
frequency,
so
on,
whereas
distinguishing
feature
lies
its
inherent
deformable
mechanics
comparison
metal‐
or
semiconductor‐based
stiff
electronics.
However,
comprehensive
design
properties
not
received
sufficient
attention
improve
overall
performance
A
summary
is
provided,
listing
six
crucial
parameters—stretchability,
modulus,
strength,
elasticity,
hysteresis,
fatigue—which
exert
significant
influence
This
review
aims
direct
researchers’
toward
presents
representative
strategies
modulation.
Technologies
for
manipulating
droplets
have
applications
in
various
fields,
such
as
biomedical
devices,
chemical
engineering,
water
collection,
and
thermal
management.
The
morphology
of
magnetically
responsive
surfaces
are
modified
using
magnetic
fields
inducing
droplet
directional
rolling
bouncing.
Herein,
a
study
on
the
transport
is
reported,
identifying
three
movement
modes
analyzing
mechanisms
influencing
behavior.
explored
working
fluids
with
surface
tension
lower
than
that
water,
achieving
30%
ethanol
maximum
velocity
130
mm
s
