Magnetic self-assembly of three-dimensional surfaces from planar sheets
Publication information:
M. Boncheva, S. A. Andreev, L. Mahadevan, A. Winkleman, D. R. Reichman, M. G. Prentiss, S. Whitesides, and G. M. Whitesides. 2005. “Magnetic Self-Assembly of Three-Dimensional Surfaces from Planar Sheets”. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 102, Pp. 3924-29
Abstract
This report describes the spontaneous folding of flat elastomeric sheets, patterned with magnetic dipoles, into free-standing, 3D objects that are the topological equivalents of spherical shells. The path of the self-assembly is determined by a competition between mechanical and magnetic interactions. The potential of this strategy for the fabrication of 3D electronic devices is demonstrated by generating a simple electrical circuit surrounding a spherical cavity.