Programmable, Reversible Shape Changing Structures Inspired by Tetrapanax Papyrifer (rice paper) Pith

Tetrapanax Papyrifer, commonly known as rice paper, is a plant that is used in traditional Chinese medicine and paintings. The spongy pith at the center of the branches exhibits rapid shape change when immersed in boiling water. What is particularly interesting is the recovery of its initial shape after being removed from the water. We have found that the damp samples can be twisted and bent into shapes (like the helix in the above video) to program an initial shape which can straighten out and be returned to. We are working to understand this unique shape change mechanism in order to synthetically create bioinspired structures with rapid reversible shape change.