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Light-induced shape-memory polymers

Author

Listed:
  • Andreas Lendlein

    (Institute of Chemistry
    RWTH Aachen)

  • Hongyan Jiang

    (RWTH Aachen
    mnemoScience GmbH)

  • Oliver Jünger

    (RWTH Aachen
    Prof.-Staudinger-Strasse)

  • Robert Langer

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Polymers see the light When a plant moves its leaves to face sunlight, it is using light as directional information. Now a synthetic polymer with similar functionality to this biological system has been produced. An object made from this light-sensitive ‘shape memory polymer’ can be deformed to a new temporary shape, then fixed in that shape by light of the right wavelength. The molecular switches in this material are photosensitive groups that connect with and disconnect from each other in response to light of different wavelengths. Polymeric materials with light-induced shape-memory could find application in medical devices, microsystem technology and intelligent surface engineering.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Lendlein & Hongyan Jiang & Oliver Jünger & Robert Langer, 2005. "Light-induced shape-memory polymers," Nature, Nature, vol. 434(7035), pages 879-882, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:434:y:2005:i:7035:d:10.1038_nature03496
    DOI: 10.1038/nature03496
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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaohao Sun & Liang Yue & Luxia Yu & Connor T. Forte & Connor D. Armstrong & Kun Zhou & Frédéric Demoly & Ruike Renee Zhao & H. Jerry Qi, 2024. "Machine learning-enabled forward prediction and inverse design of 4D-printed active plates," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, December.
    2. Shang-Wu Zhou & Danlei Zhou & Ruirui Gu & Chang-Shun Ma & Chengyuan Yu & Da-Hui Qu, 2024. "Mechanically interlocked [c2]daisy chain backbone enabling advanced shape-memory polymeric materials," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.

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