%0 journal article
%@ 2352-4928
%A Mazurek-Budzyńska, M.,Behl, M.,Neumann, R.,Lendlein, A.

%D 2022
%J Materials Today Communications
%N 
%P 102966 
%R doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2021.102966
%T 4D-actuators by 3D-printing combined with water-based curing
%U https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2021.102966
 
%X The shape and the actuation capability of state of the art robotic devices typically relies on multimaterial systems from a combination of geometry determining materials and actuation components. Here, we present multifunctional 4D-actuators processable by 3D-printing, in which the actuator functionality is integrated into the shaped body. The materials are based on crosslinked poly(carbonate-urea-urethane) networks (PCUU), synthesized in an integrated process, applying reactive extrusion and subsequent water-based curing. Actuation capability could be added to the PCUU, prepared from aliphatic oligocarbonate diol, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and water, in a thermomechanical programming process. When programmed with a strain of εprog = 1400% the PCUU networks exhibited actuation apparent by reversible elongation ε'rev of up to 22%. In a gripper a reversible bending ε'rev(bend) in the range of 37–60% was achieved when the actuation temperature (Thigh) was varied between 45 °C and 49 °C. The integration of actuation and shape formation could be impressively demonstrated in two PCUU-based reversible fastening systems, which were able to hold weights of up to 1.1 kg. In this way, the multifunctional materials are interesting candidate materials for robotic applications where a freedom in shape design and actuation is required as well as for sustainable fastening systems.