研究目的
To introduce a simple two-stage method to synthesize and program a photomechanical elastomer (PME) for light-driven artificial muscle-like actuations in soft robotics, with autonomic self-healing properties.
研究成果
A simple synthesis and processing approach for a thermoplastic polyurethane-based PME with self-healing properties was developed, enabling 'cut and paste' assembly into photomechanical soft machines. The PMEs exhibit tunable mechanical and photoresponsive properties comparable to conventional azobenzene-containing LCEs, serving as a prototype for light-driven soft robots, though further enhancements in force and deformation are necessary for practical applications.
研究不足
The mechanical stresses generated, time required for bending and retraction, and energy conversion efficiency are inferior to state-of-the-art pneumatic actuators. Improvements are needed for complex 3D patterning and enhanced performance, which may require additive manufacturing and computational tools like finite-element analysis.
1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:
A two-part, step-growth polymerization reaction was used to synthesize the PME copolymers, involving reactions between toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), 4,4′-methylenedianiline (MDA), and 4,4′-diaminoazobenzene (DAB). Mechanical alignment via uniaxial stretching at 300% strain and 60°C was applied to induce anisotropic deformations.
2：Sample Selection and Data Sources:
Three copolymer compositions with varying molar ratios of PPG:MDA:DAB (6:0:4, 6:1:3, 6:2:2) were synthesized and compared.
3：List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:
Equipment included gel permeation chromatography (GPC; Waters: DMF, 410), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA; TA Instruments, Q500), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC; TA Instruments, Q1000), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis; Agilent, Cary 5000), uniaxial tensile tester (ZwickRoell, Z100), proton NMR spectroscopy (1H NMR; Varian INOVA 600), and polarized optical microscopy (POM). Materials included TDI, PPG (Mn=2000), MDA, DAB, and tetrahydrofuran (THF).
4：Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:
Synthesis involved step-growth polymerization, followed by mechanical alignment of films. Characterization included molecular weight analysis, thermal stability, optical absorption, mechanical testing, and self-healing assessment. Actuation was tested under UV and visible light irradiation.
5：Data Analysis Methods:
Data were analyzed using standard techniques for GPC, TGA, DSC, UV–vis, tensile testing, and NMR spectroscopy to determine properties such as molecular weight, thermal behavior, absorption spectra, stress-strain curves, and photomechanical responses.
独家科研数据包，助您复现前沿成果，加速创新突破
获取完整内容
