Light-Responsive Hybrids Based on Carbon Nanotubes with Covalently Attached PHEMA-<i>g</i>-PCL Brushes

Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based materials allow for the direct conversion of light into heat and then mechanical force in so-called photo-mechanical effect. This effect has been observed almost solely form polymer (nano)composites, where CNTs act as active fillers. To overcome issue with heterogeneous distribution, hybrids based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) covalently modified poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-graft-poly(ε-caprolactone) brushes (MWCNTs-PHEMA-g-PCL) were prepared, their actuator behavior, without need mixing an elastomer, was proven. The MWCNTs-PHEMA-g-PCL synthesized using surface-initiated reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, subsequent ring-opening ε-caprolactone from pendant hydroxyl groups PHEMA. It found that hybrid material containing 24 wt % MWCNTs possesses properties thermoplastic elastomers, while retaining elastic at least up to 100 °C. exhibits excellent, fully reversible, repeatable, fast actuation behavior.