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

Abstract 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.