Harnessing ultra-high programmability and controllability for smart composite architecture using quadruple shape memory poly(aryl ether ketone)s

Multi-stimuli selective actuation of shape memory polymers (SMPs) with multi memory capabilities have attracted great attention in recent years, due to diverse active deformation application scenarios. Current multi-SMPs with low T_t, however, are faced with inherent barriers, such as low fixation and inaccurate control, because the shape retainability, controllability, and responsiveness of SMPs are highly determined by transition temperature (T_t). Herein, quadruple-shape memory poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) with tunable high T_t and selective response characteristics were successfully fabricated for the first time, which especially harnessed ultra-high programmability and controllability. More significantly, the quadruple shape memory PAEK-based smart architectures such as “fingers” and “flower” were demonstrated to exhibit the controllable multi-stages actions. Utilizing a “man” as an example, we put forward different programming routes up to ten to make it perform complex pre-set deformation actions. The quadruple shape memory PAEK of high T_t possessed great utilizing potential in fields of soft robots, actuators, and deformable devices.