In-situ polymerization for mechanical strong composite actuators based on anisotropic wood and thermoresponsive polymer

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels hold an irreplaceable statue in intelligent actuation materials because of their reversible stretchability and excellent biocompatibility. However, the poor mechanical performance and complicated fabrication process of anisotropic structures severely limit their further applications. Herein, we report a high-strength thermoresponsive wood-PNIPAM composite hydrogel actuator with complex deformations, through a simple in-situ polymerization. In this composite hydrogel actuator, the anisotropic wood and the thermoresponsive PNIPAM hydrogel hydroel can work together to provide bending and even other complex deformations. Owing to strong interfacial interaction, this actuator perfectly realized the combination of good mechanical properties (similar to 1.1 MPa) and fast actuation speed (similar to 0.9 s). In addition, by adjusting the orientation direction of wood, this actuator can achieve various complex deformations. Such composite hydrogel actuator could be a good candidate for intelligent applications, such as intelligent actuators, smart valves, manipulators and even soft robots. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

The article presents a high-strength thermoresponsive wood-PNIPAM composite hydrogel actuator with complex deformations, fabricated through a simple in-situ polymerization. The actuator exhibits excellent mechanical properties and fast actuation speed, making it a promising candidate for intelligent applications.