Fabrication of Thick LIHAMs with Metastructures Using Capillary Cell and UV Polymerization

A capillary cell was assembled above the metastructures using polystyrene balls coated with UV glue as the spacers. Large spacers (with a ball diameter of 214 µm, MicroParticles GmbH) are used for making thick LIHAMs to minimize the impact of metastructures on the deformation behaviours of LIHAMs. Then, the prepared hydrogel precursor was infiltrated into the capillary cell, followed by 15 min of UV exposure.

The capillary cell, made up of polystyrene balls coated with UV glue, was placed on top of the metastructures. To create thick LIHAMs and reduce the effect of the metastructures on their deformation, large spacers with a diameter of 214 µm from MicroParticles GmbH were used.

Once the capillary cell was assembled, the hydrogel precursor was prepared and then carefully poured into the capillary cell. After ensuring that the capillary cell was filled with the hydrogel precursor, it was exposed to UV light for 15 minutes. This UV exposure helped to initiate the polymerization process and solidify the hydrogel, creating the final LIHAM structure.