Low-voltage-triggered rapid shape memory actuation with interfacial self-assembled silver nanowires

Abstract

Shape memory polymeric actuators containing interfacial self-assembled silver nanowires (AgNWs) were fabricated. The morphology and electrothermal effect of the aligned AgNWs were investigated. Voltages as low as less than 2 V enabled rapid shape recovery, in which the speeds as well as nonlinearity of the shape memory-based actuation were comparatively studied. Two distinct actuation stages and the underlying mechanism were disclosed. The findings may greatly benefit the application of self assembly of nano building blocks in flexible electronics and soft robot fields.