2025/04/23 by Liia Buhhanevits, Hesam Ramezani, Charles de Kergariou +2 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Engineering · Materials Science · #Advanced Materials and Mechanics #Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials #Polymer composites and self-healing
paper · pdf · doi:10.1002/aisy.202500026
openalex publication_date 2025/04/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Hygromorphic materials and composites adjust their shape and curvature in response to changes in relative humidity, similar to the pinecone scales existing in nature. This work introduces a new class of poligromorphic materials‐composites that adapt across various environments, including water, humidity, and hydrocarbons. Composed of carbon fibers (CF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and maleic anhydride ethylene‐propylene (MA‐EPR) matrices, these materials are sensitive to fluctuations in fluids like water, isooctane, and toluene. Their bioinspired internal architecture mimics the asymmetric stacking of pinecone scales. MA‐EPR/CF composites show limited actuation in water but strong responsiveness in isooctane and toluene. PVA/CF materials are more sensitive to water while retaining functionality in hydrocarbons. Importantly, their actuation is reversible and stable through multiple cycles of environmental aging, and the carbon fibers provide significant load‐bearing capabilities, with stiffening effects when passing from dry to wet and immersed states.