Inspiration
for the design of new synthetic polymers can be found
in the natural world, where materials often exhibit complex properties
that change depending on external stimuli. A new synthetic electroplastic
elastomer hydrogel (EPEH) that undergoes changes in mechanical properties
in response to both chemical and electrochemical stimuli has been
prepared based on these precedents. In addition to having the capability
to switch between hard and soft states, the presence of both permanent
covalent and dynamic copper-based cross links also allows this stimuli-responsive
material to exhibit a striking
shape memory capability. The density of temporary cross links and
the mechanical properties are controlled by reversible switching
between the +1 and +2 oxidation states.
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