Abstract: A fiber-based device having a reconfigurable geometry comprises an array of hair-like fibers spaced apart on a substrate, where each hair-like fiber comprises a free end extending away from the substrate and a secured end attached to the substrate. The array has a first bundled configuration where the free ends of the hair-like fibers are drawn together into a bundle having a first cross-sectional shape, and a second bundled configuration where the free ends of the hair-like fibers are drawn together into a bundle having a second cross-sectional shape. The array is reconfigurable from the first bundled configuration to the second bundled configuration by exposure to a liquid and then removal of the liquid at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: An elongate fiber artificial muscle includes or consists of an elongate carbon or glass fiber and at least a partial coating of a polymer, and preferably a full shell coating to form a core-shell arrangement, that is volumetrically responsive to thermal changes or to moisture changes. Additional elongate fiber artificial muscles of the invention include a plurality of elongate carbon or glass fibers that are infiltrated between the fibers with a polymer that is volumetrically responsive to thermal changes or to moisture changes. In a fabrication method, the rheology (flow characteristic) of a polymer precursor is adjusted with solvent so it is less viscous. A fiber or plurality of fibers (pre-twisted or untwisted), such as a tow is dipped in the polymer precursor. The fiber or fibers is then pulled out of the polymer precursor and hung to allow polymer to distribute and then cured and can be twisted to coil prior to curing.

Abstract: An elongate fiber artificial muscle includes or consists of an elongate carbon or glass fiber and at least a partial coating of a polymer, and preferably a full shell coating to form a core-shell arrangement, that is volumetrically responsive to thermal changes or to moisture changes. Additional elongate fiber artificial muscles of the invention include a plurality of elongate carbon or glass fibers that are infiltrated between the fibers with a polymer that is volumetrically responsive to thermal changes or to moisture changes. In a fabrication method, the rheology (flow characteristic) of a polymer precursor is adjusted with solvent so it is less viscous. A fiber or plurality of fibers (pre-twisted or untwisted), such as a tow is dipped in the polymer precursor. The fiber or fibers is then pulled out of the polymer precursor and hung to allow polymer to distribute and then cured and can be twisted to coil prior to curing.

Abstract: A fiber-based device having a reconfigurable geometry comprises an array of hair-like fibers spaced apart on a substrate, where each hair-like fiber comprises a free end extending away from the substrate and a secured end attached to the substrate. The array has a first bundled configuration where the free ends of the hair-like fibers are drawn together into a bundle having a first cross-sectional shape, and a second bundled configuration where the free ends of the hair-like fibers are drawn together into a bundle having a second cross-sectional shape. The array is reconfigurable from the first bundled configuration to the second bundled configuration by exposure to a liquid and then removal of the liquid at a predetermined rate.