Biobased self-healing elastomers for soft robotics

Palestrante:  Prof. Dr. Francois Genès Tournilhac (CNRS-ESPCI, Paris, France)

Abstract: Soft robots, capable of deforming to perform complex tasks, are promising for biomedical, food or space applications, insofar as the mechanical impedance of the grippers better matches that of the objects being manipulated. However, this characteristic brings greater vulnerability. As part of the SHERO project,[1] we devised self-healing elastomers dedicated for this application.[2] Based on our pioneering experience in self-healing materials, our efforts aimed to solve three problems: [3-6] i) addition of detection capacity, ii) speed of action and iii) activation of healing at T<100 °C. We have developed original solutions using natural rubber which offers an elastic response with almost zero dissipation at room temperature. This bio-sourced material ensures good energy efficiency and rapid cycling. Piezoresistive sensors and pneumatic actuators, efficient and self-repairing, resulted from this. To reduce energy demand and preserve electronics, the team worked on the enzymatic catalysis of the chemical reactions involved in the implementation and self-repair. Once again the bio-sourced solution turned out to provide unique performances.

Short Bio: François Tournilhac is a Director of Research (DR1) at CNRS-ESPCI, Paris. Member of the “Molecular, Macromolecular Chemistry, and Materials” Laboratory, Head of the “Formulation Chemistry and Physicochemistry” team. After early experience in ferroelectrics, liquid crystals, organic semiconductors and gas sensors, he joined the team of Ludwik Leibler (2000) to work as a soft matter chemist. Their collaboration was inspired by industrial problematics and the ambition to induce original effects in soft matter (eg phase separation induced by an electric field gradient) and to design materials showing unusual combination of properties (eg self-healing rubber, vitrimers) leading to publication of several highly cited papers. His field of expertise includes chemical synthesis of molecular and polymer materials, structural studies (SAXS-SANS) and demonstration of new physical properties (rheology, electrical and optical properties). Current activities concern the development of vitrimer materials and composites, the investigation of sequence controlled polymers and the development of soft active materials for aerospace and robotics. He is collaborating with several companies and with several academic institutions in France, Belgium, Switzerland, UK, Australia, Brazil and Japan.

Prof. Responsável: Camila Alves de Rezende