Shape memory polymer with programmable recovery onset

Chujun Ni, Di Chen, Yu Yin, Xin Wen, Xiaolan Chen, Chen Yang, Guancong Chen, Zhuo Sun, Jihang Wen, Yurong Jiao, Chunyang Wang, Ning Wang, Xiangxing Kong, Shihong Deng, Youqing Shen, Rui Xiao, Xiuming Jin, Jun Li, Xueqian Kong, Qian Zhao () and Tao Xie ()
Additional contact information
Chujun Ni: Zhejiang University
Di Chen: Zhejiang University
Yu Yin: Zhejiang University
Xin Wen: Zhejiang University
Xiaolan Chen: Zhejiang University
Chen Yang: Zhejiang University
Guancong Chen: Zhejiang University
Zhuo Sun: Zhejiang University
Jihang Wen: Zhejiang University
Yurong Jiao: Zhejiang University
Chunyang Wang: Zhejiang University
Ning Wang: Zhejiang University
Xiangxing Kong: Zhejiang University
Shihong Deng: Zhejiang University
Youqing Shen: Zhejiang University
Rui Xiao: Zhejiang University
Xiuming Jin: Zhejiang University
Jun Li: Zhejiang University
Xueqian Kong: Zhejiang University
Qian Zhao: Zhejiang University
Tao Xie: Zhejiang University

Nature, 2023, vol. 622, issue 7984, 748-753

Abstract: Abstract Stimulus-responsive shape-shifting polymers1–3 have shown unique promise in emerging applications, including soft robotics4–7, medical devices8, aerospace structures9 and flexible electronics10. Their externally triggered shape-shifting behaviour offers on-demand controllability essential for many device applications. Ironically, accessing external triggers (for example, heating or light) under realistic scenarios has become the greatest bottleneck in demanding applications such as implantable medical devices8. Certain shape-shifting polymers rely on naturally present stimuli (for example, human body temperature for implantable devices)8 as triggers. Although they forgo the need for external stimulation, the ability to control recovery onset is also lost. Naturally triggered, yet actively controllable, shape-shifting behaviour is highly desirable but these two attributes are conflicting. Here we achieved this goal with a four-dimensional printable shape memory hydrogel that operates via phase separation, with its shape-shifting kinetics dominated by internal mass diffusion rather than by heat transport used for common shape memory polymers8–11. This hydrogel can undergo shape transformation at natural ambient temperature, critically with a recovery onset delay. This delay is programmable by altering the degree of phase separation during device programming, which offers a unique mechanism for shape-shifting control. Our naturally triggered shape memory polymer with a tunable recovery onset markedly lowers the barrier for device implementation.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06520-8

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