Magnet-induced deformation enhanced adhesion based on magneto-responsive polymer: Theoretical analysis and experimental verification

Abstract

A reliable and fast switchable adhesive mode is very important in smart climbing robots, medical adhesives, industrial assembly and manipulation systems. However, the flaws in adhesion strength and operability provided by existing methods have long been a knotty problem. Here, by combining octopus inspired sucker and magnet-induced deformation, a magnet-induced deformation enhanced adhesion device (MED) based on magneto-responsive polymer (MRP) was proposed. Reversible adhesion was achieved by switching magnetic fields. Theories and simulations show that geometric size, magnetic field strength, and content of the filling particles all significantly affect the magnet-induced deformation and the enhanced adhesion. Adhesion experiments demonstrated that for the device with 26.7 vol% Neodymium‑iron‑boron (NdFeB) particles, the enhanced adhesion could reach 65.94 KPa within seconds when the experimental current was 2 A. These results indicated a good durability and responsiveness, which is in agreement with theory. This design provided an inspiration to develop adhesion technology in complex real-world scenarios by applying MRP and other smart materials.