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One-Pot Synthesis of Melt-Processable Supramolecular Soft Actuators
Sean J D Lugger1, Dirk J Mulder1, Albertus P H J Schenning1,2
1Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|November 26, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed melt-processable supramolecular soft actuators using a one-pot synthesis. These reprogrammable actuators exhibit large deformations and can be recycled into various 3D shapes.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Robotics
Background:
- Reprocessable and reprogrammable soft actuators are crucial for advanced applications.
- Current limitations include synthetic complexity, 3D shaping difficulties, and small deformation ranges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop melt-processable supramolecular soft actuators with enhanced reprocessability and reprogrammability.
- To achieve large deformations and versatile 3D shaping capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a one-pot sequential thiol addition reaction with commercially available building blocks.
- Synthesized segmented copolymers incorporating thiourethane and liquid crystal segments.
- Exploited supramolecular cross-links for material recycling and reprogramming.
Main Results:
- Achieved melt-processable supramolecular soft actuators with immediate, reversible responses.
- Demonstrated significant weightlifting capabilities and large deformations up to 32%.
- Successfully recycled and reprogrammed the material into 3D actuators and welded assemblies with varied deformation modes.
Conclusions:
- Presented a straightforward, one-pot synthesis for melt-processable supramolecular soft actuators.
- Enabled actuators with large deformations, reprocessability, and reprogrammability into arbitrary 3D shapes.
- Paved the way for advanced soft robotics and adaptable material systems.
