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Light-driven actuation in synthetic polymers: A review from fundamental concepts to applications

Bhatti, Muhammad Rehan Asghar; Kernin, Arnaud; Tausif, Muhammad; Zhang, Han; Papageorgiou, Dimitrios; Bilotti, Emiliano; Peijs, Ton; Bastiaansen, Cees W.M.

Authors

Muhammad Rehan Asghar Bhatti

Arnaud Kernin

Muhammad Tausif

Han Zhang

Dimitrios Papageorgiou

Emiliano Bilotti

Ton Peijs

Cees W.M. Bastiaansen



Abstract

Light-driven actuation of synthetic polymers is an emerging field of interest because it offers simple remote addressing without complicated hydraulic, electric, or magnetic systems. Reviews on this area predominantly emphasize on the development of mechanical motions like bending, twisting, folding, etc. However, the scientific and fundamental aspects of these materials are critical in order to expand applications and industrial relevance. Polymer actuators driven by light, not only comprise soft actuators (large deformations at low stress) but also include stiff actuators (high actuation stress at low strain). Synthetic polymeric materials with photo-responsive additives together with underlying mechanisms, processing parameters, and final properties are required to broaden the scope of the field. In particular, parameters like actuation stress, actuation strain, and work capacity have been given limited attention in the past and are discussed extensively. This work gives a comprehensive critical review on all light-driven synthetic polymer actuators, their actuating mechanisms, and materials. A holistic perspective together with an insight into future prospects can lead academia and industry toward future innovations and applications of these exciting functional materials.

Journal Article Type Review
Acceptance Date Feb 7, 2022
Online Publication Date Mar 27, 2022
Publication Date May 18, 2022
Deposit Date Sep 7, 2023
Journal Advanced Optical Materials
Electronic ISSN 2195-1071
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 10
Issue 10
Article Number 2102186
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202102186
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11076829