Bioinspired Anisotropic Peek for Solvent Sensing and Programmable Actuations

Abstract

Soft actuators capable of reversible, strong and multiple actuations with minimum energy consumption are highly desired for the areas like soft robotics and internet of things. However, it remains highly challenging to achieve multiple-way actuations with materials having high mechanical strength and via a simple procedure. Here, accurate solvent sensing and programmable actuations are realized at room temperature in 3D-printed actuator made of poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) which is an excellent engineering plastic not having good and volatile solvents. The dual gradient of roughness and crystallinity in PEEK actuator, which is inspired by pinecone and regulated by 3D-printing, determines the multiple-way actuation of PEEK actuator. The actuation can be further programmed by altering the solvent, the annealing temperature and the training method. PEEK actuators can sense the incoming flow of organic solvents and to repeatedly transfer cargoes much heavier than its own bodyweight without the need of energy input. The work here not just provides a high-performance actuator that could function under harsh conditions, but also extends the application scenarios for PEEK.

Keywords: Soft Actuator, PEEK, solvent sensor, intelligent response, reversible, multiple deformation