NIR-Mediated Deformation from a CNT-Based Bilayer Hydrogel

• Published in: Polymers Vol. 16; no. 8; p. 1152
• Main Authors: Long, Shijun, Liu, Chang, Ren, Han, Hu, Yali, Chen, Chao, Huang, Yiwan, Li, Xuefeng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 19.04.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: actuator; Actuators; Aqueous solutions; Bilayers; Carbon nanotubes; Copolymerization; Deformation; Embedding; Equilibrium; Ethanol; Fourier transforms; Fracture strength; Gels (Pharmacy); Hydrocarbons; Hydrogels; Hydrogen bonds; Identification and classification; Mechanical properties; Nanotubes; Near infrared radiation; Near infrared spectroscopy; particle double-network; Photothermal conversion; Polymers; Potassium; Properties; Reagents; Response functions; Scanning electron microscopy; Scientific imaging; Temperature; temperature-responsive hydrogel; China; France; Japan; actuator; photothermal conversion; carbon nanotubes; temperature-responsive hydrogel; particle double-network
• ISSN: 2073-4360; 2073-4360
• DOI: 10.3390/polym16081152

Shape-shifting polymers are widely used in various fields such as intelligent switches, soft robots and sensors, which require both multiple stimulus-response functions and qualified mechanical strength. In this study, a novel near-infrared-light (NIR)-responsible shape-shifting hydrogel system was designed and fabricated through embedding vinylsilane-modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into particle double-network (P-DN) hydrogels by micellar copolymerisation. The dispersed brittle Poly(sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-1-sulfonate) (PNaAMPS) network of the microgels can serve as sacrificial bonds to toughen the hydrogels, and the CNTs endow it with NIR photothermal conversion ability. The results show that the CNTs embedded in the P-DN hydrogels present excellent mechanical strength, i.e., a fracture strength of 312 kPa and a fracture strain of 357%. Moreover, an asymmetric bilayer hydrogel, where the active layer contains CNTs, can achieve 0°-110° bending deformation within 10 min under NIR irradiation and can realise complex deformation movement. This study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the design and manufacture of photoresponsive soft actuators.