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Polarization-driven reversible actuation in a photo-responsive polymer composite

Author

Listed:
  • David Urban

    (Norwegian University of Science and Technology
    Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino)

  • Niccolò Marcucci

    (Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino)

  • Christoph Hubertus Wölfle

    (TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich)

  • Jan Torgersen

    (TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich)

  • Dag Roar Hjelme

    (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

  • Emiliano Descrovi

    (Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino)

Abstract

Light-responsive polymers and especially amorphous azopolymers with intrinsic anisotropic and polarization-dependent deformation photo-response hold great promises for remotely controlled, tunable devices. However, dynamic control requires reversibility characteristics far beyond what is currently obtainable via plastic deformation of such polymers. Here, we embed azopolymer microparticles in a rubbery elastic matrix at high density. In the resulting composite, cumulative deformations are replaced by reversible shape switching – with two reversible degrees of freedom defined uniquely by the writing beam polarization. We quantify the locally induced strains, including small creeping losses, directly by means of a deformation tracking algorithm acting on microscope images of planar substrates. Further, we introduce free-standing 3D actuators able to smoothly undergo multiple configurational changes, including twisting, roll-in, grabbing-like actuation, and even continuous, pivot-less shape rotation, all dictated by a single wavelength laser beam with controlled polarization.

Suggested Citation

  • David Urban & Niccolò Marcucci & Christoph Hubertus Wölfle & Jan Torgersen & Dag Roar Hjelme & Emiliano Descrovi, 2023. "Polarization-driven reversible actuation in a photo-responsive polymer composite," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-42590-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42590-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bo Zuo & Meng Wang & Bao-Ping Lin & Hong Yang, 2019. "Visible and infrared three-wavelength modulated multi-directional actuators," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Anne Helene Gelebart & Dirk Jan Mulder & Michael Varga & Andrew Konya & Ghislaine Vantomme & E. W. Meijer & Robin L. B. Selinger & Dirk J. Broer, 2017. "Making waves in a photoactive polymer film," Nature, Nature, vol. 546(7660), pages 632-636, June.
    3. Meng Wang & Bao-Ping Lin & Hong Yang, 2016. "A plant tendril mimic soft actuator with phototunable bending and chiral twisting motion modes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, December.
    4. Hao Zeng & Markus Lahikainen & Li Liu & Zafar Ahmed & Owies M. Wani & Meng Wang & Hong Yang & Arri Priimagi, 2019. "Light-fuelled freestyle self-oscillators," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.
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