Magnetic Nickel–Phosphorus/Polymer Composite and Remotely Driven Three-Dimensional Micromachine Fabricated by Nanoplating and Two-Photon Polymerization

Abstract

We have prepared and characterized nickel–phosphorus (Ni–P)/polymer composite and demonstrated a method for fabricating three-dimensional (3D) micromachines by combining two-photon polymerization (TPP) of polymer and electroless plating of Ni–P alloy to achieve high mechanical performance and remotely controllable capability. Ni–P electroless plating process has been optimized. The mechanical performance of the Ni–P/polymer composite film, such as the hardness and modulus, was improved to 1.74 and 34.93 GPa with a Ni–P alloy layer, respectively. The Ni–P alloy layer deposited on the surface of the 3D micromachine provides good response capability in the magnetic field. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate that the as-prepared magnetic 3D micromachine was able to be remotely manipulated expeditiously by the external magnetic field. This study would open up a broad prospect for developing remote manipulated 3D micro/nanomachine with excellent mechanical performance.