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Publication Date

2025-5

First Advisor

Maren E. Buck

Second Advisor

Sarah J. Moore

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Engineering

Keywords

polymer, chemistry, soft robotics, sensing, functionalization, hydrogel, rate, materials, optimization, imaging, spectoscopy, surfaces, design, responsive, actuation

Abstract

A bioinspired chemically responsive hydrogel actuator was iteratively developed from a selectively modified poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate) (PFPA) network. The semi-autonomous shrinking behavior of the hydrogels was quantified using automated fluorescence imaging. Exposure to 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) enabled the formation of metastable anhydrides from carboxylic acid groups on the modified gel. This slight shift in hydrophobicity induced temporary contraction of the network. Post-polymerization modification of PFPA network surfaces via nucleophilic substitution with water or amines occurred rapidly with low diffusivity to unexposed regions of the gel, demonstrating potential for customizable responses in both shape and functionality of the actuator. Preliminary functionalization of the gel with glutamic acid and aspartic acid set a precedent for future studies on the effects of anhydride size and positioning in response kinetics. These findings support the development of programmable soft materials with tunable responsiveness for applications in chemically driven sensing and soft robotics.

Rights

©2025 Name. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

Comments

50 pages: color illustrations, charts. Includes bibliographical references (pages 39-40).

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