Programming Actuation in 3D‐Printed Micro‐Architectures via Interfacial Adhesion Control

ABSTRACT Bilayer structures drive anisotropic deformation in stimuli‐responsive actuators, but their precise manufacturing remains challenging. Here, we report a two‐phase meniscus‐guided 3D printing method to directly fabricate microscale bilayer structures with in situ programmable interfaces. By modulating the meniscus stretching speed, we control the interfacial bonding between poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). We systematically mapped the critical pulling speed governing the transition from physically separated to seamlessly bonded bilayers across 5%–30% relative humidity (RH) and varying ink concentrations (0.5–2.0 wt.% PVA, 0.18–0.70 wt.% PEDOT:PSS). The bonded architectures demonstrated excellent stability, remaining intact without delamination for 72 days at 40% RH. This in situ structural programming dictates the mechanical actuation under environmental stimuli. Fully bonded structures exhibited robust reversible bending under cyclic RH fluctuations (20%–50%). Furthermore, the structures displayed a deterministic thermal response, with the bending angle systematically increasing from 11.2° to 15.1° between 40°C and 65°C. Under non‐contact infrared (IR) irradiation, the micro‐actuators maintained high‐frequency oscillation with a 0.6° amplitude over 250 cycles. By controlling interfacial adhesion through physical printing parameters, this approach spatially programs actuation, providing a practical framework for multi‐responsive soft robotics.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Materials Technologies
Published
2026-09-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.71373
Primary Topic
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
Type
article
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Programming Actuation in 3D‐Printed Micro‐Architectures via Interfacial Adhesion Control

Huan Xiao, Jihyuk Yang, Barbara Pui Chan, Shiqi Hu et al.
Advanced Materials Technologies
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
article

Programming Actuation in 3D‐Printed Micro‐Architectures via Interfacial Adhesion Control

Huan Xiao, Jihyuk Yang, Barbara Pui Chan, Shiqi Hu, Ji Tae Kim, Dongwoon Shin, Sixi Cao, Nan Huang, Zhuoran Wang, Ho Cheung Shum, Feipeng Chen, Yu Liu, Juhyung Kim, Yujin Park
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Bilayer structures drive anisotropic deformation in stimuli‐responsive actuators, but their precise manufacturing remains challenging. Here, we report a two‐phase meniscus‐guided 3D printing method to directly fabricate microscale bilayer structures with in situ programmable interfaces. By modulating the meniscus stretching speed, we control the interfacial bonding between poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). We systematically mapped the critical pulling speed governing the transition from physically separated to seamlessly bonded bilayers across 5%–30% relative humidity (RH) and varying ink concentrations (0.5–2.0 wt.% PVA, 0.18–0.70 wt.% PEDOT:PSS). The bonded architectures demonstrated excellent stability, remaining intact without delamination for 72 days at 40% RH. This in situ structural programming dictates the mechanical actuation under environmental stimuli. Fully bonded structures exhibited robust reversible bending under cyclic RH fluctuations (20%–50%). Furthermore, the structures displayed a deterministic thermal response, with the bending angle systematically increasing from 11.2° to 15.1° between 40°C and 65°C. Under non‐contact infrared (IR) irradiation, the micro‐actuators maintained high‐frequency oscillation with a 0.6° amplitude over 250 cycles. By controlling interfacial adhesion through physical printing parameters, this approach spatially programs actuation, providing a practical framework for multi‐responsive soft robotics.

Advanced Materials Technologies
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KR), Chinese University of Hong Kong (HK), Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KR), University of Hong Kong (HK)
Openalex Percentile: Top 21%
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
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