Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-24-2025
Abstract
Inspired by nature, soft robots composed of compliant (“soft”) materials are well-suited for uncertain, dynamic tasks requiring safe interaction between a robot and its environment. Soft robots with the ability mend minor damage (e.g. perforations, tears) have been enabled by the rapid development of self-healing soft materials. Recently, one of these hydrogel materials (internally dubbed “BeckOHflex”) – made entirely from commercially available precursors – was developed with several appealing characteristics including rapid ambient self-healing, 3D printability on commercial machines, and competitive mechanical properties. However, the self-healing performance of BeckOHflex falls short of competitors that leverage custom-synthesized precursors. This project aims to improve the self-healing performance of BeckOHflex with modest adjustments to its off-the-shelf precursors and chemical composition. The baseline mechanical and self-healing performance will be evaluated using uniaxial tension testing of virgin and healed specimens. These results are expected to further advance the field of self-healing soft materials and enable the realization of damage-resistant soft devices.
Keywords
Self-healing, Elastomer, 3D-printed
Disciplines
Materials Science and Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Sponsoring Agency
Berry Summer Thisis Institute
eCommons Citation
Petre, Anna M., "3D-Printable Hydrogel with Rapid Ambient Self-Healing" (2025). Proceedings of the Berry Summer Thesis Institute, 2025. 10.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/uhp_bsti_2025/10
Comments
Acknowledgments: The research associated with this literature review was funded by the Berry Summer Thesis Institute and the University of Dayton Honors Program. I would also like to thank Dr. Robert Lowe for his mentorship as well as my BAMS Lab peers for their continued support.