A Novel Anisotropic Hydrogel with Integrated Self‐Deformation and Controllable Shape Memory Effect

Xiao‐xia Le; Yu‐chong Zhang; Wei Lu; Li Wang; Jing Zheng; Israt Ali; Jia‐wei Zhang; You‐ju Huang; Michael J. Serpe; Xi‐tao Yang; Xin‐dong Fan; Tao Chen

Index: 10.1002/marc.201800019

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Abstract

Although shape memory polymers have been highlighted widely and developed rapidly, it is still a challenging task to realize complex temporary shapes automatically in practical applications. Herein, a novel shape memory hydrogel with the ability of self‐deformation is presented. Through constructing an anisotropic poly(acrylic acid)–polyacrylamide (PAAc–PAAm) structure, the obtained hydrogel exhibits stable self‐deformation behavior in response to pH stimulus, and the shapes that formed automatically can be fixed by the coordination between carboxylic groups and Fe3+; therefore, self‐deformation and shape memory behaviors are integrated in one system. Moreover, the magnitude of auto‐deformation and shape memory could be adjusted with the concentration of corresponding ions, leading to programmable shape memory and shape recovery processes.