Wavelength-selective responsive hybrid structures utilizing shape memory poly(aryl ether ketone)

Wavelength-selective responsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) are able to achieve significantly programmable deformations upon light irradiations with different wavelengths, which are expected to play the important roles in diverse smart devices. At present, the most of wavelength-selective responsive SMPs exhibit poor strength and thermo-stability, which restrict their utilizations in sensor and aerospace structures. Here, we constructed the light responsive poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) hybrid structures with enhanced strength and wavelength-selective responses, which exhibited programmable multistage deformations under light irradiations of different wavelengths (365 nm and 254 nm). Besides, we designed man and flower smart structures with photo-responsive PAEK components to demonstrate wavelength-selective responsive motions. The smart man could spontaneously open his limbs and the flower could bloom via diverse programmable paths, which could be tuned by manipulating the arrangement of photosensitive components and light irradiation wavelengths. The wavelength-selective shape memory hybrid structures could be widely utilized in the fields of soft robots, smart actuators, and deformed devices.

Automated summary

This study constructed light-responsive poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) hybrid structures with enhanced strength and wavelength-selective responses. These structures exhibited programmable multistage deformations under light irradiations of different wavelengths. Additionally, man and flower smart structures were designed to demonstrate wavelength-selective responsive motions, which could be tuned by manipulating the arrangement of photosensitive components and light irradiation wavelengths. The wavelength-selective shape memory hybrid structures have potential applications in the fields of soft robots, smart actuators, and deformed devices.