Multifunctional stimuli-responsive shape memory polyurethane gels for soft actuators

In this work, shape memory materials were developed for use as soft actuators. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) generally demonstrate good actuation on direct thermal heating. Here, we also demonstrate SMPs with good electric actuation via the incorporation of dibutyl adipate (DBA) plasticizers with shape memory polyurethane to form an SMP gel, which is a soft dielectric material. The effect of the plasticizer on the shape memory behavior under...