Photo-responsive shape memory polymer composites enabled by doping with biomass-derived carbon nanomaterials

As photothermal conversion agents, carbon nanomaterials are widely applied in polymers for light-triggered shape memory behaviors on account of their excellent light absorption. However, they are usually derived from non-renewable fossil resources, which go against the demand for sustainable development. Biomass-derived carbon nanomaterials are expected as alternatives if they are designed with good dispersibility as well as splendid photothermal properties. Up to date, very few researches focused on this area. Herein, we report a novel light-triggered shape memory composite by incorporating renewable biomass-derived carbon nanomaterials into acrylate polymers without deep purification and processing. These functionalized carbon nanomaterials not only have stable dispersion in polymers as fillers, but also can endow the polymers with excellent and stable thermal and photothermal responsive properties in biological friendly environment. With the introduction of biomass-derived carbon nanomaterials, the mechanical properties of the composites are also further enhanced with the formation of hydrogen bonding between the carbon nanomaterials and the polymers. Notably, the doping of 1% carbon nanomaterials endows the polymer with sufficient hydrogen bonds that not only exhibit excellent thermal and photothermal responsive properties, but also with enough space for the motion of chains. These properties make such composite a promising and safe candidate for shape memory applications, which provide a new avenue in smart fabrics or intelligent soft robotics.