AReversible Semicrystalline Polymeric Actuators

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Among the whole variety of actuating polymers known so far only ones based on the melting/crystallization processes demonstrate a combination of important properties such as reversibility of actuation in absence of fields and solvents and actuation in the temperature range, which is practically relevant. There are several examples of such materials, but the physical origin of their actuation mechanism still remains elusive. This hampers a rational design of the actuation for instance by tailored modification of polymer properties. Our project aims to understand mechanisms of reversible actuation of semicrystalline polymers and to elucidate the correlations between thermal crystallization of crosslinked and entangled polymers under load and their chemical as well as physical structure. The key objectives of the project are: (i) investigation of thermal crystallization of crosslinked and non-crosslinked polymers under load; (ii) investigation of nano-confinement on thermal crystallization of crosslinked and non-crosslinked polymer under load; and (iii) investigation of actuation of model-bilayers consisting of active crystalline polymers and a passive layer. The project combines experimental studies, computer simulations and theory within the well-established collaboration between the two applicants. The ultimate goal is to open new horizons for the design of a new generation of active materials tailored for different applications including medicine, robotics and others.