Thermoset Light-Responsive Biopolyester Composite with Intrinsic Permanent Shape Reconfigurability and Degradability

Abstract

Adding functional nanoparticles to polymers is a popular approach to indirectly trigger the shape-memory effect (SME). Existing shape-memory polymer composites usually involve the use of solvents, catalysts, and initiators during synthesis. By polyesterification, in this article, we present a sustainable polyester matrix for a shape-memory polymer (SMP) composite consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which possess combined features. Owing to the photothermal conversion capability of the CNTs, selective triggering of the shape-memory behavior in different regions of the composite and photoweldability are made possible. Leveraging its intrinsic dynamic bond nature, the material can be reshaped at least five times, which is comparable with existing bond exchange networks. Additionally, ester bonds within the material enable hydrolytic degradation after its applications. We envision that this material design principle can be potentially applied on the fabrication of stimuli-responsive actuators for soft robots with complex geometries that also require degradability.