Biomimetic "Smart" Functional Materials for Developing Soft Robotic Devices

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The proposed research program is to develop "smart" functional materials with superior properties in terms of reversible shape change and surface adhesion, which are prerequisite for building soft robotic devices. Soft robots are next-generation robots, which can be programmed and cooperate with humans to perform delicate tasks, for instance, to sense/search for lost items in constrained environments, or to perform surgeries inside human bodies. The field of soft robotics is exciting and just emerging worldwide. Inspired by the superior functionalities such as locomotion, adhesion, sensing, self-cleaning, shape morphing in biological systems, this program will develop a suite of stimuli-responsive functional smart materials and systems, and innovative processes to build sensing and robotic devices with tailored surface adhesion. To achieve this, we will apply recent advances in polymer science, interfacial science and engineering, micro and nano fabrication, and additive manufacturing (i.e. 3D printing) techniques to synthesize smart polymers, to formulate them with functional nanoparticles (e.g. graphene, conductive nanofibers), fabricate or print into desired shapes. The material and process parameters including the polymer phase-transition temperature, nanoparticle-polymer interaction, nanoparticle dispersion, rheological characteristics, and curing mechanisms will be investigated and modulated for 3D printing and other fabrication processes. The relationship between material properties and responsiveness to stimuli in terms of both shape changes and surface adhesion will be systematically investigated to derive scientific insights and generate new knowledge, likely leading to revolutionary advances in the field of biomimetic research and creation of smart materials. Innovative technical implications will be explored to translate the material development into effective applications for smart robotic devices with tailored surface adhesion. The acquired scientific knowledge and technological development, trained HQPs will address the increasing demand of functional materials and robotic devices in many current and future innovative manufacturing processes, and help maintain the competitive advantage of Canadian scientific community and manufacturing industries.