Light-Driven Shape Memory of 3D-Printed PEEK for Programmable Actuations

Remotely controllable actuation of engineering polymers is highly demanded in the fast-developing intelligent society. Here, this work demonstrates that the programmable shape memory of 3D-printed poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), which is an excellent engineering material, could be driven by both ultraviolet (UV) light and natural sunlight. The shape recovery ratio reaches 97.6% and could be finely regulated by defining the sample thickness, shape programming, way of placement, and light intensity. Light-induced continuous, sequential, and programed actuations (shape recovery) are further realized in various 3D-printed PEEK structures. Meanwhile, the coating of a thin layer of gold is proven to be effective in anti-UV oxidation and the enhancing of shape recovery. Moreover, natural sunlight during daytime is demonstrated to be able to induce the shape recovery of 3D-printed PEEK in outdoor environment. The work here can pave the way for the use of PEEK as a smart material in the fields such as aerospace and intelligent industry.