Magnetic self-assembly of three-dimensional surfaces from planar sheets.

Boncheva, Mila; Andreev, Stefan A; Mahadevan, L; Winkleman, Adam; Reichman, David R; Prentiss, Mara G; Whitesides, Sue; Whitesides, George M · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2005

basic_science · Level V

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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.