Mechanical nonreciprocity in a uniform composite material

Mechanical nonreciprocity, or the asymmetric transmission of mechanical quantities between two points in space, is crucial for developing systems that can guide, damp, and control mechanical energy. We report a uniform composite hydrogel that displays substantial mechanical nonreciprocity, owing to direction-dependent buckling of embedded nanofillers. This material exhibits an elastic modulus more than 60 times higher when sheared in one direction compared with the opposite direction. Consequently, it can transform symmetric vibrations into asymmetric ones that are applicable for mass transport and energy harvest. Furthermore, it exhibits an asymmetric deformation when subjected to local interactions, which can induce directional motion of various objects, including macroscopic objects and even small living creatures. This material could promote the development of nonreciprocal systems for practical applications such as energy conversion and biological manipulation.