Investigating the Phase-Morphology of PLLA-PCL Multiblock Copolymer / PDLA Blends Cross-linked Using Stereocomplexation

MRS Advances ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (14-15) ◽  
pp. 699-707
Author(s):  
Victor Izraylit ◽  
Oliver E. C. Gould ◽  
Karl Kratz ◽  
Andreas Lendlein
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Phase Morphology ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Stimuli Responsive ◽  
Structural Units ◽  
Multiblock Copolymer ◽  
Soft Actuators ◽  
Average Domain ◽  
Lattice Pattern

ABSTRACTThe macroscale function of multicomponent polymeric materials is dependent on their phase-morphology. Here, we investigate the morphological structure of a multiblock copolymer consisting of poly(L-lactide) and poly(ε-caprolactone) segments (PLLA-PCL), physically cross-linked by stereocomplexation with a low molecular weight poly(D-lactide) oligomer (PDLA). The effects of blend composition and PLLA-PCL molecular structure on the morphology are elucidated by AFM, TEM and SAXS. We identify the formation of a lattice pattern, composed of PLA domains within a PCL matrix, with an average domain spacing d0 = 12 – 19 nm. The size of the PLA domains were found to be proportional to the block length of the PCL segment of the copolymer and inversely proportional to the PDLA content of the blend. Changing the PLLA-PCL / PDLA ratio caused a shift in the melt transition Tm attributed to the PLA stereocomplex crystallites, indicating partial amorphous phase dilution of the PLA and PCL components within the semicrystalline material. By elucidating the phase structure and thermal character of multifunctional PLLA-PCL / PDLA blends, we illustrate how composition affects the internal structure and thermal properties of multicomponent polymeric materials. This study should facilitate the more effective incorporation of a variety of polymeric structural units capable of stimuli responsive phase transitions, where an understanding the phase-morphology of each component will enable the production of multifunctional soft-actuators with enhanced performance.

scholarly journals Dragonfly Inspired Smart Soft Robot

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vardhman Kumar ◽  
Ung Hyun Ko ◽  
Yilong Zhou ◽  
Jiaul Hoque ◽  
Gaurav Arya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Remediation ◽  
Stimuli Responsive ◽  
Complex Environments ◽  
Soft Robots ◽  
Responsive Materials ◽  
Environmental Perturbations ◽  
Integration Strategies ◽  
Soft Actuators ◽  
Harsh Conditions

Recent advancements in soft robotics have led to the development of compliant robots that can exhibit complex motions driven by living cells(1, 2), chemical reactions(3), or electronics(4). Further innovations are however needed to create the next generation of soft robots that can carry out advanced functions beyond locomotion. Here we describe DraBot—a dragonfly-inspired, entirely soft, multifunctional robot that combines long-term locomotion over water surface with sensing, responding, and adaptation capabilities. By integrating soft actuators, stimuli-responsive materials, and microarchitectural features, we created a circuitry of pneumatic and microfluidic logic that enabled the robot to undergo user- and environment-controlled (pH) locomotion, including navigating hazardous (acidic) conditions. DraBot was also engineered to sense additional environmental perturbations (temperature) and detect and clean up chemicals (oil). The design, fabrication, and integration strategies demonstrated here pave a way for developing futuristic soft robots that can acclimatize and adapt to harsh conditions while carrying out complex tasks such as exploration, environmental remediation, and health care in complex environments.

Photo- and Thermo-Dual-Responsive Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Materials

2013 ◽  
Vol 538 ◽  
pp. 181-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin De Tang ◽  
Ye Chen ◽  
Fa Qi Yu ◽  
Mei Shan Pei
Keyword(s):  
Block Copolymer ◽  
Hybrid Materials ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Stimuli Responsive ◽  
Inorganic Hybrid ◽  
Dual Responsive ◽  
Hexyl Methacrylate ◽  
Poly Ethylene ◽  
Copolymer Poly

Organic/inorganic hybrid materials based upon stimuli-responsive copolymers have attracted an inceasing attention. Compared with the polymeric materials, these hybrid materials can form aggregates in aqueous solution with much more stable shape-persistance due to the inorganic structure, which facilitate the mass delivery and long-term life. A novel hybrid material based on a new reactive block copolymer, poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly{3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide-co-6-[4-(4-methoxyphenylazo)phenoxy]hexyl methacrylate} [PEO-P(TMSPMA-NIPAM-AzoMA)] was synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The vesicles were obtained by self-assembly of the resulting block copolymer in a selective solvent, and then the PTMSPMA block was subjected to hydrolysis and polycondensation reaction to fix vesicle wall in the presence of triethylamine as a catalyst. The photo- and thermo- dual-responsive properties of the vesicles were investigated.

Stimuli-responsive polymeric materials for separation of biomolecules

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 209-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinuo Tan ◽  
Kei Saito ◽  
Milton TW Hearn
Keyword(s):  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Stimuli Responsive

Optically Induced Dynamics of Isocyanate Organic Films Containing Azobenzene Chromophores

2000 ◽  
Vol 660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi Jeong Kim ◽  
Eun-Mi Seo ◽  
Yeong-Deuk Shin ◽  
Jae-Suk Lee ◽  
Dong-Yu Kim
Keyword(s):  
Surface Relief ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Polymeric Film ◽  
Laser Beams ◽  
Organic Films ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Polymeric Thin Films ◽  
Surface Grating ◽  
Azobenzene Group ◽  
Surface Modulation

ABSTRACTThe photophysical formation of surface relief grating (SRG) was compared between isocyanate-based polymeric and non-polymeric thin films of low molecular weight organics containing azobenzene group. The non-polymeric film forms faster and more efficient surface grating formation than the polymeric film when exposed to an interference pattern of polarized Ar+ laser beams at 488 nm. However, the polymeric materials exhibited higher stability of SRG and orientation of azobenzenes than non-polymeric ones. The relation between the rate of photoinduced surface modulation and orientation of azobenzenes is discussed.

Stimuli Responsive Self-Assembled Hydrogel of a Low Molecular Weight Free Dipeptide with Potential for Tunable Drug Delivery

2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2244-2250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiban J. Panda ◽  
Aseem Mishra ◽  
Atanu Basu ◽  
Virander S. Chauhan
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Stimuli Responsive ◽  
Self Assembled

scholarly journals Visible and infrared three-wavelength modulated multi-directional actuators

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Zuo ◽  
Meng Wang ◽  
Bao-Ping Lin ◽  
Hong Yang
Keyword(s):  
Near Infrared ◽  
Light Stimulus ◽  
Stimuli Responsive ◽  
Liquid Crystal Elastomer ◽  
Shape Morphing ◽  
Actuation System ◽  
Directional Movement ◽  
Actuator System ◽  
Soft Actuators ◽  
Scientific Attention

Abstract In recent years, light-guided robotic soft actuators have attracted intense scientific attention and rapidly developed, although it still remains challenging to precisely and reversibly modulate the moving directions and shape morphing modes of soft actuators with ease of stimulating operation. Here we report a strategy of building a multi-stimuli-responsive liquid crystal elastomer soft actuator system capable of performing not only multi-directional movement, but also different shape morphing modes. This strategy is based on the selective stimulation of specific domains of the hierarchical structured actuator through the modulation of three wavelength bands (520, 808, 980 nm) of light stimulus, which release the actuation system from light scanning position/direction restriction. Three near-infrared dual-wavelength modulated actuators and one visible/infrared tri-wavelength modulated multi-directional walker robot are demonstrated in this work. These devices have broad application prospects in robotic and biomimetic technology.

scholarly journals Contactless Manipulation of Soft Robots

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (19) ◽  
pp. 3065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim ◽  
Park ◽  
Won ◽  
Jeon ◽  
Wie
Keyword(s):  
Recent Progress ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Anisotropic Materials ◽  
Robotic Systems ◽  
Soft Robots ◽  
Mechanical Joints ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Soft Actuators ◽  
External Stimuli ◽  
The Given

In recent years, jointless soft robots have demonstrated various curvilinear motions unlike conventional robotic systems requiring complex mechanical joints and electrical design principles. The materials employed to construct soft robots are mainly programmable anisotropic polymeric materials to achieve contactless manipulation of miniaturized and lightweight soft robots through their anisotropic strain responsivity to external stimuli. Although reviews on soft actuators are extensive, those on untethered soft robots are scant. In this study, we focus on the recent progress in the manipulation of untethered soft robots upon receiving external stimuli such as magnetic fields, light, humidity, and organic solvents. For each external stimulus, we provide an overview of the working principles along with the characteristics of programmable anisotropic materials and polymeric composites used in soft robotic systems. In addition, potential applications for untethered soft robots are discussed based on the physicochemical properties of programmable anisotropic materials for the given external stimuli.

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