US chemists synthesized polymer that modifies the shape for a long time in the absence of external stimuli. The results are given in the journal Nature Communication.

Materials that change shape – materials whose shape can be reversibly changed by the application of certain forces. These include self-healing materials, photomechanical and other materials. The most relevant in robotics are electroactive polymers (EAP) – they are used as linear actuators, or “artificial muscles”. Until now, the use of these materials has been limited by the need for application of external stimuli start reaction: heating, changes in light level or pH value (pH).

In the new work, scientists created a material that does not morph initiated by external conditions. For this purpose we synthesized polymer by copolymerizing N, N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) and methacrylic acid (MAAc). Clusters formed as a result of hydrogen bonds with the substance attached mechanical properties similar to cartilage tissue: the high viscosity and elasticity. This polymer was capable of restoring the form of deferred. Thus, collected on the basis of its artificial flower with three beaters gradually to dissolve within two hours.

According to the researchers, the new material has a wide range of applications. For example, it may be useful in bioengineering, particularly in the manufacture of implants, adapting to the body shape. The disadvantage of the technology is stable, although reduced, the rate of transformation. will be to develop a mechanism to morph different speeds at certain intervals the next step. One of its embodiments can be water-soluble polymer placement on the shell surface: starting morphing in which case the shell thickness will be governed in different sections of the polymer.

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