Limitations in this project include high variability and differentiation between magnetic films. Adding CrO2 changes the mechanical properties of the top layer. Therefore, the contraction and curvature results will be not reflect the theoretical values for curvature from literature (Egunov AI et al, 2015). To improve homogeneity in thickness, hexane was used. Hexane is acted as a solution thinner for the top layer. This allowed the top layer to level out more evenly across the surface. Alternative material to PDMS could be silk, as it has been used in literature with magnetic light actuation (Li M et al, 2018).
Potential risks in Aim 2 include successfully creating motion. The internal forces of the magnetic films might overpower the magnetic force. Thus, the films might not bend down towards the magnet. To overcome this, different magnets of different strengths will be tested. Another method of mitigating this risk will be experimenting with geometry to reduce and optimize the internal stresses. Different film thicknesses may improve actuation.