Self-Healable, Self-Repairable, and Recyclable Electrically Responsive Artificial Muscles

Pushing the boundaries of dielectric permittivity in polysiloxanes: polar dipole modifications enable amorphous pyroelectric polymers

The main drawback of polymers in a wide range of soft electrical applications is their low dielectric permittivity. The chemical modification of polymers with organic dipoles has been a successful strategy to increase their dielectric permittivity. However, what is the maximum achievable dielectric permittivity by this method? We present four novel polysiloxanes with relative permittivities ranging from 23 to 31 at room temperature (RT), reaching 34 at 40 °C. These are the highest dielectric permittivity values reported for any amorphous filler-free elastomer. Additionally, we derive a universal guiding principle in designing future elastomers, with an ideal trade-off between elasticity and permittivity at an operating temperature of Tg + 60 °C. We further explore the resulting composites with SiO2 and TiO2 and show that two glass transitions (Tgs) occur due to the interfacial layer and the bulk phase. The two phases show distinct dielectric behavior, which we demonstrate as useful in achieving pyroelectric materials. The materials exhibit the highest reported pyroelectricity of any crystal-free, fully amorphous polymer with a stable quasi-static pyroelectric coefficient of 3.4 μC m-2 K-1 at 30 ± 0.5 °C.

A Visible Light-Responsive, Fast Room-Temperature Self- Healing, Mechanically Robust, Antibacterial Waterborne Polyurethane Based on Triple Dynamic Bonds

Despite the recent rapid advancements in room-temperature self-healing waterborne polyurethanes, imparting fast self-healing ability while concurrently maintaining robust mechanical performance of waterborne polyurethanes remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we propose a molecular structure design strategy for developing visible light-responsive, room-temperature self-healing, and antibacterial waterborne polyurethane (DMZWPU) containing triple dynamic bonds of diselenide bonds, multiple hydrogen bonds, and Zn(II)-carboxylate coordination bonds. This innovative approach effectively balances the tensile stress, fracture toughness, and self-healing ability of the material. Thanks to the synergy of the three dynamic bonds, the resulting DMZWPU film demonstrates a tensile stress of 40.32 MPa and a fracture toughness of 119.29 MJ/m3, respectively. Furthermore, based on the dynamic characteristics of three dynamic bonds and the dual induction of trace ethanol and visible light, the damaged DMZWPU film can recover more than 85% of the tensile stress at room temperature within 2 h. These performances outperform those of most of the currently reported room-temperature self-healable polymers (healing efficiency >80%). Due to the combined action of selenium and zinc ions, the DWZWPU film exhibits excellent antibacterial properties (sterilization rate of 100% in 24 h). Finally, the DMZWPU emulsion is effectively applied for leather finishing processes, and the results show that the DMZWPU coating exhibits excellent folding resistance, wear resistance, and room-temperature self-healing function, as well as enhanced water resistance and dry friction resistance. In summary, this study provides a novel perspective for the development of waterborne polyurethane with high mechanical performances and rapid self-healable ability at room temperature.

Self-Healing Yet Strong Actuator Materials with Muscle-Like Diastole and Contraction via Multilevel Relaxations

Skeletal muscles represent a role model in soft robotics featuring agile locomotion and incredible mechanical robustness. However, existing actuators lack an optimal combination of actuation parameters (including actuation modes, work capacity, mechanical strength, and damage repair) to rival biological tissues. Here, a biomimetic structural design strategy via multilevel relaxations (α/β/γ/δ-relaxation) modulation is proposed for mechanical robust and healable actuator materials with muscle-like diastole and contraction abilities by orientational alignment of dendritic polyphenol-modified nano-assembles in eutectogels. The anisotropic hierarchical micro-nanostructures assembled by supramolecular interaction mimic the relative slippage of actin filaments and myosin in muscles, ensuring bistable actuation through rapid thermal α-relaxation and expansion. Furthermore, kinetically active secondary β/γ/δ-relaxation at reconfigurable interfaces can conquer the limited self-healing ability of fixed-orientation polymeric chains. The obtained artificial muscle exhibits high output actuation, robust mechanical properties (tensile strength of 33.5 MPa), and desired functional, mechanical self-healing efficiency (89.7%), exceeding typical natural muscles in living systems. The bionic micro-nano design strategy achieves bottom-up cooperative relaxation modulation to integrate all-round performance of natural muscles, which paves the way for substantial advancements in next-generation intelligent robotics.

Boosting the Actuation Performance of a Dynamic Supramolecular Polyurethane-Urea Elastomer via Kinetic Control

The ongoing soft actuation has accentuated the demand for dielectric elastomers (DEs) capable of large deformation to replace the traditional rigid mechanical apparatus. However, the low actuation strain of DEs considerably limits their practical applications. This work developed high-performance polyurethane-urea (PUU) elastomers featuring large actuation strains utilizing an approach of kinetic control over the microphase separation structure during the fabrication process. Additionally, disulfide (DS) bonds were incorporated as dynamic chemical linkages to effectively heal the mechanical damage in the resulting elastomer (PUUDS). Alteration in processing conditions creates notable differences in the rate of phase separation among the multiphase materials. A faster phase separation rate is associated with a reduced degree of microphase separation, increased spacing within hard domains, a higher proportion of disordered hydrogen bonds, and hydrogen bonding index. These changes synergistically improved the electromechanical properties of the PUUDS elastomers, thereby enhancing their actuation performance. The sample processed under the fastest phase separation condition showed the lowest Young's modulus and a pronounced dielectric response at low frequencies. The electrostriction effect accounts for 89% of the total electromechanical coupling, achieving a significant reduction in the driving voltage during actuation. The maximum actuation strain recorded was 21.6% at an electric field of 45 MV/m. Benefiting from the fully reversible dynamic network, the damaged PUUDS elastomer can be healed and restored to its original elongation at break after 3 h at room temperature. Practical application was demonstrated through the development of a miniature butterfly model constructed from a single-layer PUUDS elastomer, showcasing potential applications in soft robotics. These findings highlight the critical role of kinetic control in optimizing the performance of advanced DEs.

Self-Healing Supramolecular Flexible Network of Zn(II): Exploring Chemo-Responsiveness, Antimicrobial Efficiency, and Variable Microelectronic Device Performances

The Zn(II)-supramolecular metallogel (i.e., Zn-Py) of 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid was prepared through the addition of a metal source and 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid as a low molecular weight gelator. The Zn-Py metallogel encapsulated N,N'-dimethylformamide as gel-immobilized polar aprotic solvent media. The mechanical features of the synthesized metallogel were investigated. The thixotropic behavior of the Zn-Py metallogel was also analyzed. The microscopic feature of the metallogel was imaged through FESEM and TEM studies. The EDS pattern of the metallogel ratified the role of different gel-building chemical constituents. The stimuli responsiveness of the metallogel was also tested. The metallogel-forming mechanistic protocol was visualized through FTIR and ESI mass spectroscopic analyses. The bioeffectiveness, i.e., antimicrobial potency, of Zn-Py was also studied. The antimicrobial efficiency against both Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria including Salmonella typhimurium (MTCC 98), Escherichia coli (MTCC 1667), Bacillus cereus (ATCC 13061), Listeria monocytogenes (MTCC 657), and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96) was critically analyzed. The FESEM images of the live bacteria and damaged bacteria due to the action of the metallogel were experimentally investigated. The Zn-Py metallogel was also used to fabricate the heterojunction and Schottky-type photodetectors to show their excellent light-matter interaction and their potentiality as active material in optoelectronics. The electrical parameters of semiconductor diodes such as the p-n junction and Schottky diode fabricated by the synthesized Zn-Py metallogel were investigated. Outcomes of the experimental investigation demonstrated that the tested metallogel effectively showed p-n junction diode parameters, especially with the ideality factor (η) of 1.3 under a dark environment. This fabricated device efficiently depicted a great ON/OFF ratio of 33.4 at a reverse bias voltage of -2 V. The metal-semiconductor-metal (M-S-M) junction-type Schottky barrier diode was also fabricated using the Zn-Py metallogel where the Au/Zn-Py metallogel/Au-based device fabrication strategy was implemented.

Electroactive Biomaterials Regulate the Electrophysiological Microenvironment to Promote Bone and Cartilage Tissue Regeneration

The incidence of large bone and articular cartilage defects caused by traumatic injury is increasing worldwide; the tissue regeneration process for these injuries is lengthy due to limited self‐healing ability. Endogenous bioelectrical phenomenon has been well recognized to play an important role in bone and cartilage homeostasis and regeneration. Studies have reported that electrical stimulation (ES) can effectively regulate various biological processes and holds promise as an external intervention to enhance the synthesis of the extracellular matrix, thereby accelerating the process of bone and cartilage regeneration. Hence, electroactive biomaterials have been considered a biomimetic approach to ensure functional recovery by integrating various physiological signals, including electrical, biochemical, and mechanical signals. This review will discuss the role of endogenous bioelectricity in bone and cartilage tissue, as well as the effects of ES on cellular behaviors. Then, recent advances in electroactive materials and their applications in bone and cartilage tissue regeneration are systematically overviewed, with a focus on their advantages and disadvantages as tissue repair materials and performances in the modulation of cell fate. Finally, the significance of mimicking the electrophysiological microenvironment of target tissue is emphasized and future development challenges of electroactive biomaterials for bone and cartilage repair strategies are proposed.

Self-Healing Silicone Materials: Looking Back and Moving Forward

This review is dedicated to self-healing silicone materials, which can partially or entirely restore their original characteristics after mechanical or electrical damage is caused to them, such as formed (micro)cracks, scratches, and cuts. The concept of self-healing materials originated from biomaterials (living tissues) capable of self-healing and regeneration of their functions (plants, human skin and bones, etc.). Silicones are ones of the most promising polymer matrixes to create self-healing materials. Self-healing silicones allow an increase of the service life and durability of materials and devices based on them. In this review, we provide a critical analysis of the current existing types of self-healing silicone materials and their functional properties, which can be used in biomedicine, optoelectronics, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, soft robotics, skin-inspired electronics, protection of surfaces, etc.

Tethering of twisted-fiber artificial muscles

Twisted-fiber artificial muscles, a new type of soft actuator, exhibit significant potential for use in applications related to lightweight smart devices and soft robotics. Fiber twisting generates internal torque and a spiral architecture, exhibiting rotation, contraction, or elongation as a result of fiber volume change. Untethering a twisted fiber often results in fiber untwisting and loss of stored torque energy. Preserving the torque in twisted fibers during actuation is necessary to realize a reversible and stable artificial muscle performance; this is a key issue that has not yet been systematically discussed and reviewed. This review summarizes the mechanisms for preserving the torque within twisted fibers and the potential applications of such systems. The potential challenges and future directions of research related to twisted-fiber artificial muscles are also discussed.

Self-Healing Polymeric Soft Actuators

Natural evolution has provided multicellular organisms with sophisticated functionalities and repair mechanisms for surviving and preserve their functions after an injury and/or infection. In this context, biological systems have inspired material scientists over decades to design and fabricate both self-healing polymeric materials and soft actuators with remarkable performance. The latter are capable of modifying their shape in response to environmental changes, such as temperature, pH, light, electrical/magnetic field, chemical additives, etc. In this review, we focus on the fusion of both types of materials, affording new systems with the potential to revolutionize almost every aspect of our modern life, from healthcare to environmental remediation and energy. The integration of stimuli-triggered self-healing properties into polymeric soft actuators endow environmental friendliness, cost-saving, enhanced safety, and lifespan of functional materials. We discuss the details of the most remarkable examples of self-healing soft actuators that display a macroscopic movement under specific stimuli. The discussion includes key experimental data, potential limitations, and mechanistic insights. Finally, we include a general table providing at first glance information about the nature of the external stimuli, conditions for self-healing and actuation, key information about the driving forces behind both phenomena, and the most important features of the achieved movement.