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Hierarchical Multi‐Step Folding of Polymer Bilayers
Author(s) -
Stoychev Georgi,
Turcaud Sébastien,
Dunlop John W. C.,
Ionov Leonid
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201203245
Subject(s) - folding (dsp implementation) , materials science , microfluidics , isotropy , polymer , nanotechnology , pyramid (geometry) , simple (philosophy) , design elements and principles , electronics , biological system , computer science , mechanical engineering , physics , software engineering , optics , quantum mechanics , engineering , composite material , philosophy , chemistry , epistemology , biology
A highly complex multi‐step folding of isotropic stimuli‐responsive polymer bilayers resulting in a variety of 2D and 3D structures is reported. Experimental observations allow determination of empirical rules, which can be used to direct the folding of polymer films in a predictable manner. In particular, it is demonstrated that these rules can be used for the design of a 3D pyramid. The understanding and know‐how attained in this study allow the very simple design of highly complex, self‐folding 3D objects and open new horizons for 3D patterning, important for the design of microfluidic devices, biomaterials, and soft electronics.