Buckling of poly(methyl methacrylate) in stimulus-responsive shape recovery

We investigate buckling phenomenon during shape recovery in a poly(methyl methacrylate) upon immersing in ethanol (chemo-responsive) and heating (thermo-responsive). The underlying mechanism is revealed and the influential factors are discussed. Such buckling phenomenon is generic and applicable to all materials during shape recovery when certain conditions (as discussed here) are satisfied. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3645005]