Using FeNi nanoparticles to improve the magnetic response of polymers

LESGO researchers at BUW have recently published the article “4D printing of magneto-responsive polymer structures by masked stereolithography for miniaturised actuators“, exploring using FeNi nanoparticles to improve the magnetic response of polymers.

The study describes the addition of FeNi nanoparticles to a photopolymer to take advantage of their soft magnetic response and high magnetisation. The nanoparticles were integrated into the polymer forming uniaxial strands under a magnetic field, which exceeded 500 μm in length. The research showcases the fabrication and actuation of magneto-responsive polymer actuators with minimal FeNi nanoparticle content, which had hardly any impact on the composite’s tensile properties.

This demonstrates their potential for practical applications, especially promising in the fields of robotics and microfluidics.