Shape-changing polymer resembles animal movements with temperature shifts

This article describes the development of a novel polymer made from liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) that can mimic animal movements by changing its shape in response to temperature shifts. This material, created by researchers at The Ohio State University, can twist, tilt, shrink, and expand due to its unique molecular structure, which undergoes phase transitions when heated. Unlike traditional materials that require multiple components for complex motions, this polymer achieves ambidirectional deformation as a single component, making it versatile and potentially easier to manufacture. Applications include soft robotics, artificial muscles, biosensors, and drug delivery systems. The study highlights the polymer’s scalable design and potential for biomedical advancements, aiming to innovate in fields like nanorobotics and complex surgeries.

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