Abstract: Graphene oxide aerogel beads (GOABs) are formed that have a core/shell structure where a smooth shell covers a multi-layer core. The smooth shell and the layers of the multilayer core comprise graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide. The GOABs can include a phase-change material encapsulated within the multi-layer core. The GOABs can be combined or decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles or MoS2 microflakes for various applications. The GOABs are formed from aqueous slurries of graphene oxide that is extruded as drops into an aqueous solution of a coagulant where GOABs are formed. The GOABs are washed and freeze dried, after which, the GOABs can be reduced as desired by chemical or thermal means. Impregnation can be carried out with the phase-change material.

Abstract: Provided herein are high-temperature shape memory photopolymers (HTSMP) and methods of making. The HTSMP has flame retardance and recovery stress of greater than 30 MPa. The HTSMP is formed from a polyacrylate and about 5 wt % to 15 wt % of a phosphorus containing photo-initiator (TPO), wherein the polyacrylate is polymerized by UV exposure of an acrylate monomer and the TPO.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to free-standing artificial muscles having a polymeric core encased by an elastic spring. The polymeric core can be any two-way shape memory polymer including, but not limited to, a semicrystalline polymer (polybutadiene polymer, a polycaprolactone polymer, a poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)), a rubber, an ionomer, an elastomer, or a gel. In some aspects, the shape memory polymers are crosslinked. In an alternative aspect, the polymeric core is a twisted and coiled polymeric fiber. In other aspects, the polymeric core is reprocessable, remoldable, and/or recyclable. In one aspect, the elastic spring is metallic, ceramic, plastic, or any combination thereof. The stiffnesses or spring rate of the elastic spring and polymeric core, the two-way shape memory effect of the polymeric core, and their geometrical dimensions can be optimized to maximize the actuation strain based on theoretical principles described herein.

Abstract: Graphene oxide aerogel beads (GOABs) are formed that have a core/shell structure where a smooth shell covers a multi-layer core. The smooth shell and the layers of the multilayer core comprise graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide. The GOABs can include a phase-change material encapsulated within the multi-layer core. The GOABs can be combined or decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles or MoS2 microflakes for various applications. The GOABs are formed from aqueous slurries of graphene oxide that is extruded as drops into an aqueous solution of a coagulant where GOABs are formed. The GOABs are washed and freeze dried, after which, the GOABs can be reduced as desired by chemical or thermal means. Impregnation can be carried out with the phase-change material.