Wireless Control of Two- and Three-Dimensional Actuations of Kirigami Patterns Composed of Magnetic-Particles–Polymer Composites

Abstract

We demonstrate wireless remote control of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) shape transformations of specially designed kirigami patterns by application of static magnetic fields. The kirigami patterns consist of hinge-linked periodic unit blocks composed of magnetic-particle-elastomer composites. By designing the axis of magnetic anisotropy in each unit block and determining the placement of the hinges that link the individual unit blocks, 2D and 3D transformations of the patterns were demonstrated under application of uniform magnetic fields with specific field directions. Magnetic nanoparticles in an elastomer matrix within unit blocks were aligned in-plane or out-of-plane with respect to the frame of the individual unit blocks by application of magnetic fields. Such 2D and 3D actuations of kirigami patterns might offer a first step toward the development of spatiotemporal actuation and transformation of more complex 3D shapes using magnetic-particle-elastomer composites.