A three‐layer functional coating was prepared through layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly and a sol–gel process. The multilayered coating was composed of a phytic acid (PA) coating dipped between two layers of flexible polysiloxane coatings and was deposited on the polyester fabric by LbL assembly. Flammability tests indicated that the multilayer coating prevented droplet generation during combustion. The PA also absorbed the reactive free radicals to reduce the flame‐burning rate. After being soaked for only 20 min in PA solution, the fabric exhibited self‐extinguishing properties and antidroplet effect during the vertical flame test, while cone calorimetry confirmed that the coated fabric exhibited a 65% decrease in the peak heat release rate and reduced the total amount of smoke released by 72%. After washing the coated fabric 45 times, there was no significant decrease in the phosphorus content and the limiting oxygen index of coated fabrics. Thus, the coating synthesized in this study is an effective method of constructing durable, functional coatings on the surface of fabrics. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46414.

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Abstract

Smart actuators refer to integrated devices that are composed of smart and artificial materials, and can provide actuation and dampening capabilities in response to single/multi external stimuli (such as light, heat, magnetism, electricity, humidity, and chemical reactions). Due to their capability of dynamically sensing and interaction with complex surroundings, smart actuators have attracted increasing attention in different application fields, such as artificial muscles, smart textiles, smart sensors, and soft robots. Among these intelligent material, functional hydrogels with fiber structure are of great value in the manufacture of smart actuators. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in stimuli-responsive actuators based on functional materials. We emphasized the important role of functional nano-material-based additives in the preparation of the stimulus response materials, then analyzed the driving response medium, the preparation method, and the performance of different stimuli responses in detail. In addition, some challenges and future prospects of smart actuators are reported.