Light-actuated reversible shape memory effect of a polymer composite

In the current study, a novel polymer composite with excellent light-actuated two-way shape memory effect (2W-SME) was fabricated using poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) as matrix and p -aminodiphenylimide ( p -AP) as both light-absorber and heat source (EVA/ p -AP). Unlike traditional thermally-driven two-way reversible shape memory polymers, in our concept, the EVA/ p -AP featured remotely controlled and light-manipulatable reversible two-way shape memory behaviors. Utilizing the distinct light-responsive behavior of p -AP in the irradiation of 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) light, the EVA/ p -AP composite exhibited excellent light-actuated reversible 2W-SME by a light-manipulated procedure. The results from this study indicated that the composite material could have greatly potential applications in soft reversible drivers.