Multi‐responsive Polymer Actuators by Thermo‐reversible Chemistry

The increased technological progress in materials science fabrication is changing the dynamics of the scientific community with short adaptability deadlines, while framing a new set of competitive challenges and needs. As a result, material design requires a multidisciplinary networking, where natural sciences (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics) meet the engineering process. In this chapter we pinpoint some new directions in materials by introducing thermo-reversible chemistry as an excellent approach for the creation of smart polymer systems with shape-memory and self-healing properties, responsive hydrogels, and fast prototyping via additive manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing. A particular interest is paid to covalent adaptive networks built on Diels–Alder reactions, mainly due to their high efficiency, selectivity, and thermo-reversible behavior in the design of soft robotics devices. The chapter wraps up with an outlook on what is more outstanding in this field and highlights some near-future challenges and directions.