Shape Memory Polymer Constructed by π–π Stacking with Ultrafast Photoresponse and Self-Healing Performance

Abstract

Recently, polymer materials with light-responsive shape memory and self-healing ability have been extensively studied. Various strategies have been reported to prepare remotely controllable light-responsive shape memory materials by employing carbon-based nanophotothermal agents (e.g., carbon nanotubes (CNTs)) in a shape memory polymer network. However, enhancing the dispersion state and capacity of CNTs remains a challenge for improving the response capability and rate of light-responsive shape memory materials. In this work, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) modified with a pyrene groups was introduced as the polymer network, and CNTs were introduced as the nanophotothermal agent to prepare a light-responsive shape memory material with fast photothermal responsiveness. Because of the stacking interaction between pyrene and CNTs, a large fraction of CNTs are dispersed in an orderly way in the polymer matrix. Moreover, stacking and hydrogen bond interactions build up stable cross-links and endow the material with shape memory and self-healing ability. Therefore, this work provides an innovative strategy for preparing a shape memory material with an ultrafast photoresponse and self-healing performance.