Publications
Chen, Shuyang; Li, Jing; Fang, Lichen; Zhu, Zeyu; Kang, Sung Hoon
Simple Triple-State Polymer Actuators with Controllable Folding Characteristics Journal Article
In: Applied Physics Letters, vol. 110, pp. 133506, 2017.
@article{Chen2017,
title = {Simple Triple-State Polymer Actuators with Controllable Folding Characteristics},
author = {Shuyang Chen and Jing Li and Lichen Fang and Zeyu Zhu and Sung Hoon Kang},
url = {http://aip.scitation.org/doi/pdf/10.1063/1.4979560},
doi = {10.1063/1.4979560},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-03-30},
journal = {Applied Physics Letters},
volume = {110},
pages = {133506},
abstract = {Driven by the interests in self-folding, there have been studies developing artificial self-folding structures at different length scales based on various polymer actuators that can realize dual-state actuation. However, their unidirectional nature limits the applicability of the actuators for a wide range of multi-state self-folding behaviors. In addition, complex fabrication and programming procedures hinder broad applications of existing polymer actuators. Moreover, few of the exiting polymer actuators are able to show the self-folding behaviors with precise control of curvature and force. To address these issues, we report an easy-to-fabricate triple-state actuator with controllable folding behaviors based on bilayer polymer composites with different glass transition temperatures. Initially, the fabricated actuator is in flat state, and it can sequentially self-fold to angled folding states of opposite directions as it is heated up. Based on an analytical model and measured partial recovery behaviors of polymers, we can accurately control the folding characteristics (curvature and force) for rational design. To demonstrate an application of our triple-state actuator, we have developed a self-folding transformer robot which self-folds from a two-dimensional sheet into a three-dimensional boat-like configuration and transforms from the boat shape to a car shape with the increase of the temperature applied to the actuator. Our findings offer a simple approach to generate multiple configurations from a single system by harnessing behaviors of polymers with rational design.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Kang, Sung Hoon; Michael D. Dickey, Guest Editors
Patterning via self-organization and self-folding: Beyond conventional lithography Journal Article
In: MRS Bulletin, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 93-96, 2016, (co-Guest Editor of the issue).
@article{Kang2016,
title = {Patterning via self-organization and self-folding: Beyond conventional lithography },
author = {Sung Hoon Kang and Michael D. Dickey, Guest Editors},
editor = {Sung Hoon Kang and Michael D. Dickey},
url = {http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2FMRS%2FMRS41_02%2FS0883769416000038a.pdf&code=ffd6509119daa4a591802b67ab63f032},
doi = {10.1557/mrs.2016.3 },
year = {2016},
date = {2016-02-01},
journal = {MRS Bulletin},
volume = {41},
number = {2},
pages = {93-96},
abstract = {Conventional photolithography is an effective patterning technique that has enabled modern
electronics and advanced micro- and nanoscale devices. However, it has limitations, including
high cost, limited resolution, and poor compatibility with unconventional materials that may be
soft, nonplanar, or difficult to process. There is active research ongoing to develop unconventional
patterning methods such as self-organization and self-folding. Self-organization harnesses
various driving forces to produce patterns without external intervention and includes
methods such as self-assembly of block copolymers, capillary-driven assembly of micro-/
nanoscale structures, and thin-fi lm instabilities. Self-folding (origami)—and its cousin,
kirigami—harnesses patterning and materials strategies to convert planar substrates into
three-dimensional shapes in response to external stimuli. These multidisciplinary approaches
open many engineering opportunities by providing new and versatile material functionalities.
This article overviews the field and the topics covered in the articles in this issue of MRS Bulletin, highlighting recent progress in patterning approaches based on self-organization and self-folding. },
note = {co-Guest Editor of the issue},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
electronics and advanced micro- and nanoscale devices. However, it has limitations, including
high cost, limited resolution, and poor compatibility with unconventional materials that may be
soft, nonplanar, or difficult to process. There is active research ongoing to develop unconventional
patterning methods such as self-organization and self-folding. Self-organization harnesses
various driving forces to produce patterns without external intervention and includes
methods such as self-assembly of block copolymers, capillary-driven assembly of micro-/
nanoscale structures, and thin-fi lm instabilities. Self-folding (origami)—and its cousin,
kirigami—harnesses patterning and materials strategies to convert planar substrates into
three-dimensional shapes in response to external stimuli. These multidisciplinary approaches
open many engineering opportunities by providing new and versatile material functionalities.
This article overviews the field and the topics covered in the articles in this issue of MRS Bulletin, highlighting recent progress in patterning approaches based on self-organization and self-folding.
Note: Send e-mail to Prof. Kang at [email protected] if you need a pdf file of the papers below.
2017

Chen, Shuyang; Li, Jing; Fang, Lichen; Zhu, Zeyu; Kang, Sung Hoon
Simple Triple-State Polymer Actuators with Controllable Folding Characteristics Journal Article
In: Applied Physics Letters, vol. 110, pp. 133506, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Bio-Inspired, mechanics of soft materials and structures, polymer, programmable material, Self-Folding, transformer
@article{Chen2017,
title = {Simple Triple-State Polymer Actuators with Controllable Folding Characteristics},
author = {Shuyang Chen and Jing Li and Lichen Fang and Zeyu Zhu and Sung Hoon Kang},
url = {http://aip.scitation.org/doi/pdf/10.1063/1.4979560},
doi = {10.1063/1.4979560},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-03-30},
journal = {Applied Physics Letters},
volume = {110},
pages = {133506},
abstract = {Driven by the interests in self-folding, there have been studies developing artificial self-folding structures at different length scales based on various polymer actuators that can realize dual-state actuation. However, their unidirectional nature limits the applicability of the actuators for a wide range of multi-state self-folding behaviors. In addition, complex fabrication and programming procedures hinder broad applications of existing polymer actuators. Moreover, few of the exiting polymer actuators are able to show the self-folding behaviors with precise control of curvature and force. To address these issues, we report an easy-to-fabricate triple-state actuator with controllable folding behaviors based on bilayer polymer composites with different glass transition temperatures. Initially, the fabricated actuator is in flat state, and it can sequentially self-fold to angled folding states of opposite directions as it is heated up. Based on an analytical model and measured partial recovery behaviors of polymers, we can accurately control the folding characteristics (curvature and force) for rational design. To demonstrate an application of our triple-state actuator, we have developed a self-folding transformer robot which self-folds from a two-dimensional sheet into a three-dimensional boat-like configuration and transforms from the boat shape to a car shape with the increase of the temperature applied to the actuator. Our findings offer a simple approach to generate multiple configurations from a single system by harnessing behaviors of polymers with rational design.},
keywords = {Bio-Inspired, mechanics of soft materials and structures, polymer, programmable material, Self-Folding, transformer},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2016

Kang, Sung Hoon; Michael D. Dickey, Guest Editors
Patterning via self-organization and self-folding: Beyond conventional lithography Journal Article
In: MRS Bulletin, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 93-96, 2016, (co-Guest Editor of the issue).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Patterning, Self-Folding, Self-Organization
@article{Kang2016,
title = {Patterning via self-organization and self-folding: Beyond conventional lithography },
author = {Sung Hoon Kang and Michael D. Dickey, Guest Editors},
editor = {Sung Hoon Kang and Michael D. Dickey},
url = {http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2FMRS%2FMRS41_02%2FS0883769416000038a.pdf&code=ffd6509119daa4a591802b67ab63f032},
doi = {10.1557/mrs.2016.3 },
year = {2016},
date = {2016-02-01},
journal = {MRS Bulletin},
volume = {41},
number = {2},
pages = {93-96},
abstract = {Conventional photolithography is an effective patterning technique that has enabled modern
electronics and advanced micro- and nanoscale devices. However, it has limitations, including
high cost, limited resolution, and poor compatibility with unconventional materials that may be
soft, nonplanar, or difficult to process. There is active research ongoing to develop unconventional
patterning methods such as self-organization and self-folding. Self-organization harnesses
various driving forces to produce patterns without external intervention and includes
methods such as self-assembly of block copolymers, capillary-driven assembly of micro-/
nanoscale structures, and thin-fi lm instabilities. Self-folding (origami)—and its cousin,
kirigami—harnesses patterning and materials strategies to convert planar substrates into
three-dimensional shapes in response to external stimuli. These multidisciplinary approaches
open many engineering opportunities by providing new and versatile material functionalities.
This article overviews the field and the topics covered in the articles in this issue of MRS Bulletin, highlighting recent progress in patterning approaches based on self-organization and self-folding. },
note = {co-Guest Editor of the issue},
keywords = {Patterning, Self-Folding, Self-Organization},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
electronics and advanced micro- and nanoscale devices. However, it has limitations, including
high cost, limited resolution, and poor compatibility with unconventional materials that may be
soft, nonplanar, or difficult to process. There is active research ongoing to develop unconventional
patterning methods such as self-organization and self-folding. Self-organization harnesses
various driving forces to produce patterns without external intervention and includes
methods such as self-assembly of block copolymers, capillary-driven assembly of micro-/
nanoscale structures, and thin-fi lm instabilities. Self-folding (origami)—and its cousin,
kirigami—harnesses patterning and materials strategies to convert planar substrates into
three-dimensional shapes in response to external stimuli. These multidisciplinary approaches
open many engineering opportunities by providing new and versatile material functionalities.
This article overviews the field and the topics covered in the articles in this issue of MRS Bulletin, highlighting recent progress in patterning approaches based on self-organization and self-folding.